The Delhi elections concluded with AAP securing only 22 out of 70 seats, marking the end of its decade-long governance in the capital. The Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a decisive victory with 48 seats, raising concerns about AAP's political prospects in other regions, notably Punjab.
In 2022, AAP achieved a landslide victory in Punjab, winning 92 of the 117 assembly seats. However, the recent electoral setback in Delhi has led to unease within the party's Punjab unit. Reports suggest that some MLAs are dissatisfied with the central leadership's approach and are contemplating alternative political paths.
Despite these concerns, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang has downplayed the reports of internal strife, describing the upcoming meeting as a "routine strategy session." He emphasized that the party regularly seeks feedback from all units to shape its future strategies. "Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP MLAs, will meet Arvind Kejriwal to discuss the way forward," Kang stated.
Party insiders indicate that the discussions will focus on analyzing the Delhi election results and formulating strategies for the 2027 Punjab polls. The meeting is also expected to address the grievances of Punjab MLAs and explore measures to strengthen internal cohesion.
Historically, AAP's Punjab unit has experienced tensions with the central leadership. In 2018, Bhagwant Mann resigned as the state party president in protest against Kejriwal's apology to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia over drug trade allegations. This incident highlighted the underlying friction between the state and central leaderships.
The current scenario has led to speculation about Kejriwal's potential increased involvement in Punjab politics. With the Ludhiana assembly seat currently vacant, political observers are discussing the possibility of Kejriwal contesting from there and becoming a part of the Punjab government. Notably, Kejriwal lost the recent assembly elections to BJP's Parvesh Verma from the New Delhi constituency.