After facing defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has now shifted its focus to Punjab. To ensure that the loss does not demotivate party leaders and workers, all Punjab MLAs were summoned to Delhi’s Kapurthala House on Tuesday for a motivational meeting. During the 30-minute session, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal encouraged the leaders by specifying three key mantras: connect with people, identify issues and fight resolutely. Sources suggest that this meeting may lead to changes in the party’s working style. The meeting saw the attendance of all AAP MLAs from Punjab, as confirmed by the party. Five key challenges for AAP in Punjab 1. Delhi-model no longer effective in Punjab Since coming to power, AAP leaders in Punjab have consistently relied on the "Delhi model" to appeal to voters. However, with the party losing control in Delhi, this model may no longer hold the same sway. Senior journalist S. Purushotham pointed out that AAP now needs to establish Punjab as its own governance model. 2. Unfulfilled guarantee of Rs 1,000 to women Before the elections, AAP promised five major guarantees, including a monthly payment of Rs. 1,000 to women above 18 years. This promise remains unfulfilled, and the party has already faced backlash in elections at various levels. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, after meeting Kejriwal, hinted that efforts to fulfill this promise are underway. 3. Empowering MLAs Despite having a strong government in Punjab, AAP MLAs reportedly lack authority, with many officers disregarding them. This issue has been raised in both internal meetings and the Punjab Assembly, making it a major challenge for the party to address. 4. Rising concerns over law and order While the Punjab government claims its law-and-order situation is better than in other states, the increasing incidents of gangster activities, drug trafficking, and crime tell a different story. Attacks on police stations and the government's inability to curb the drug menace have invited criticism from the opposition. 5. Growing state debt Punjab currently has a debt of Rs 3.75 lakh crore, which has hindered funding for development projects. The government is struggling to finance initiatives like free electricity and women’s bus services. In the current fiscal year, the state has already taken a loan of Rs 28,000 crore. CM Bhagwant Mann make key statements CM Mann accused the opposition of using money and muscle power during the Delhi elections. He said, “We had to approach the Election Commission every hour to report issues like money and jackets being distributed.” While speaking on AAP’s stability in Punjab and dismissing opposition claims that Arvind Kejriwal wants to replace him as Punjab CM, Mann said, “They have been making such claims for nearly three years. Let them talk. Our party culture doesn’t encourage defections.” Opposition reacts on AAP meeting Why AAP's focus is on Punjab? 1. Got power here after Delhi
Punjab is the only state where AAP formed government after Delhi. They were completely wiped out in Haryana. In Gujarat, they remained at second position. However, now Delhi has been lost and Punjab has assembly elections in 2027. In such a situation, if Punjab slips away, there will be a crisis regarding AAP's very existence. 2. Kejriwal will pursue politics through Punjab
After losing power in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal will now conduct his politics through Punjab. He will campaign in other states based on the work done here. Elections in Punjab are 2 years away, so during this time, major works will be undertaken to try to compensate for the party's losses in Delhi. Tension increased due to unfulfilled promises in Punjab AAP government was formed in Punjab on March 10, 2022. It has been almost 3 years since then. Their biggest promise was to give one thousand rupees per month to every woman above 18 years of age. However, this has not been fulfilled yet. In addition, major promises like earning Rs 20,000 crore from mining, eliminating drugs from entire Punjab, punishing those accused of disrespecting Sri Guru Granth Sahib could not be fulfilled.Original Article