AAP-Congress alliance in Punjab: BJP's Baliawal calls them two sides of same coin
Synopsis
Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal has accused AAP and Congress of running a covert political partnership, pointing to Congress councillors backing AAP in civic body elections across Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar — despite being elected against the ruling party. The charge, if it gains traction, could reshape Punjab's opposition narrative ahead of the next elections.
Key Takeaways
Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal on 24 May accused AAP and Congress of covert political collaboration in state politics.
He alleged Congress councillors backed AAP in forming civic governments and electing Mayors in Amritsar , Ludhiana , and Jalandhar .
Similar AAP-Congress coordination was cited in Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections in Phagwara , Baghapurana , Kotkapura , Faridkot , and other areas.
Baliawal argued both parties have failed on law and order , youth employment, farmers' issues, and Punjab's development.
BJP is positioning itself as Punjab's only genuine opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Sunday, 24 May charged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress are not genuine rivals in Punjab politics but covert partners, arguing that a vote for Congress in local body elections effectively bolsters AAP's grip on power.
The Core Allegation
Baliawal contended that in several Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils across Punjab, AAP had failed to secure a clear majority on its own. Yet, he alleged, Congress councillors — elected explicitly on an anti-AAP platform — crossed the floor to back AAP in forming civic governments and electing Mayors. 'Birds of a feather flock together,' he said, invoking the proverb to describe what he called a manufactured opposition.
Where the Pattern Was Visible
Baliawal specifically named Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar Municipal Corporations as sites where this political understanding played out openly. He further cited elections for Zila Parishad Chairpersons and Block Samiti heads in Phagwara, Baghapurana, Sahnewal, Kotkapura, Faridkot, and several other areas — where, he claimed, Congress representatives voted in favour of AAP candidates, thereby disregarding the public mandate.
Governance Failures Cited
The BJP leader argued that the alleged behind-the-scenes partnership has come at the cost of Punjab's people. He said both parties have neglected pressing concerns including law and order, youth employment, farmers' distress, and the state's overall development. This critique positions the BJP as the primary accountability voice in a state where it currently holds no significant elected power.
BJP's Electoral Pitch
Baliawal asserted that the BJP is the only party in Punjab consistently raising public issues and functioning as a genuine opposition. He urged voters to 'use their votes wisely' in the upcoming elections and strengthen the party's presence in the state. The appeal signals that BJP is looking to capitalise on voter disillusionment with both ruling and principal opposition parties ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Point of View
It needs to frame itself as the only credible alternative to both AAP and Congress. Whether voters buy that framing in a state where the BJP's own record on farmers and federalism remains contested is the real question mainstream coverage is not asking.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal allege about AAP and Congress?
Baliawal alleged that AAP and Congress are covert political partners in Punjab, not genuine opponents. He claimed Congress councillors elected against AAP subsequently backed the ruling party in forming civic governments and electing Mayors in cities including Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar.
Which cities and areas were cited as examples of AAP-Congress coordination?
Baliawal named Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar Municipal Corporations, and also cited Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections in Phagwara, Baghapurana, Sahnewal, Kotkapura, and Faridkot as instances where Congress representatives reportedly voted in favour of AAP candidates.
Why does the BJP say this coordination matters for Punjab voters?
The BJP argues that the alleged alliance has allowed both parties to prioritise power-sharing over governance, neglecting key issues such as law and order, youth employment, farmers' welfare, and overall development in Punjab.
What is the BJP's position in Punjab politics currently?
The BJP currently holds limited elected presence in Punjab. Baliawal is positioning the party as the state's only genuine opposition, appealing to voters to back BJP in upcoming elections as an alternative to what he describes as a two-party power arrangement between AAP and Congress.
Has Congress or AAP responded to these allegations?
No response from Congress or AAP to Baliawal's statement was available at the time of reporting.
