Is AAP Fragmenting in Punjab Due to Kejriwal's Stubbornness?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Internal division in AAP is evident, particularly in Punjab.
- Kejriwal's stubbornness has serious implications for the party's future.
- AAP's unfulfilled promises have led to growing discontent.
- Corruption allegations continue to haunt AAP leaders.
- Resignations reflect a shift in accountability expectations.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) The President of Delhi BJP, Virendraa Sachdeva, stated on Saturday that the persistent stubbornness of Arvind Kejriwal has resulted in a significant division within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has now spread from the organization's base in Delhi to Punjab.
Sachdeva remarked that during the farmers' protests, AAP leaders had committed to executing minimum support price (MSP) reforms and increases immediately upon gaining power.
They also assured financial assistance for women, improvements to schools and hospitals, and ensured full electricity and water supply, he noted.
However, with more than half of their term elapsed, AAP MLAs in Punjab now feel uneasy about being accountable to their constituents, he stated.
In this troubling context, Punjab AAP MLA Anmol Gagan — who previously made populist claims such as “MSP in five minutes” based on faith in party leadership — resigned from the Assembly to foster transparency with the public, Sachdeva added.
The Delhi BJP President pointed out that this scenario reflects the challenges faced by Delhi MLAs in 2023 following established corruption allegations against the Kejriwal administration.
Sachdeva further mentioned that when AAP MLAs and Councillors depart the party in Delhi, the leadership often blames the BJP for allegedly enticing them away.
“However, in a state where AAP holds full power, a pro-farmer MLA has departed. What explanation will Arvind Kejriwal provide now?” questioned the Delhi BJP Chief.
Previously, Sachdeva expressed disappointment that whenever investigations into the financial misconduct of AAP leaders commence or court cases advance, they revert to their old narrative of labeling it as “political vendetta.”
He was responding to remarks made by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Friday, which accused the BJP of engaging in political vendetta by reopening cases against AAP leaders after the Gujarat by-elections.
He added that the latest statement from AAP leader Atishi demonstrates her party's political frustration.
“Atishi must clarify if the BJP is indeed pursuing political vendetta through legal action, then why has no court granted them any relief?” Sachdeva inquired.
The Delhi BJP President stated, “Victory and defeat are integral to democracy, but the Aam Aadmi Party — which has experienced power without struggle since its inception — is now in utter despair after losing control in Delhi. Leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi are still grappling with the fallout of their defeat.”
Over the past five years, Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain have been embroiled in corruption cases, he remarked.
“After spending a significant time incarcerated, they are now out on bail. All cases against them are under judicial examination. While AAP leaders publicly proclaim these are political conspiracies, they do not label the cases as fake in court — instead, they seek bail,” he noted.
Sachdeva also mentioned that as soon as investigations into the hospital construction scam that occurred during the Kejriwal administration intensified, AAP leaders began to reiterate their familiar narrative of political vendetta.
The Delhi BJP President stated that the investigation into the hospital construction scam initiated during the AAP government itself.
Yet, AAP leaders — known for their flair for political theatrics — are now associating it with their victory on one seat in Gujarat, labeling it as a political vendetta, he concluded.