Why Did Punjab's Anmol Gagan Resign from Politics?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Anmol Gagan Maan has resigned from her MLA position and politics.
- She served as a minister with various portfolios.
- Her decision follows a meeting with Arvind Kejriwal.
- She is recognized for her contributions to folk singing and dance.
- Her exit raises questions about AAP’s future in Punjab.
Chandigarh, July 19 (NationPress) Former cabinet member and singer-turned-politician Anmol Gagan Maan, 34, who represented the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from Kharar, has officially stepped down from the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and exited politics altogether.
She recently met with party leader and ex-chief minister Arvind Kejriwal four days prior, describing the encounter as an “in-depth discussion.”
Utilizing social media platforms X and Facebook, she announced her resignation, stating in Punjabi on Saturday: “My heart feels heavy, yet I have chosen to depart from politics. I request that the Speaker accept my resignation from the MLA position.”
“I wish the party all the best. I sincerely hope the Punjab government will meet the expectations of its citizens.”
Her resignation was directed to Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who has been requested to accept her resignation from the MLA role.
Anmol Gagan was elected from Kharar in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections and previously served as a minister in the cabinet led by Bhagwant Mann.
She oversaw various portfolios including tourism and culture, investment promotion, labor, and hospitality until her removal during a cabinet reshuffle in September 2024.
Her accolades include numerous awards in folk singing and dance, both nationally and internationally, and she is known for hit songs such as ‘Suit’, ‘Ghaint Purpose’, and ‘Sherni’.
Originating from Mansa district, she married lawyer Shahbaaz Singh Sohi in June 2024.
Joining the AAP in 2021, she claimed the Kharar assembly seat by defeating Shiromani Akali Dal’s Ranjit Singh Gill by a remarkable margin of 37,718 votes.
Interestingly, on Friday, real estate magnate Gill, a close associate of Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal, resigned from the party membership and is anticipated to join either the BJP or AAP soon.