Kejriwal to Confer with Punjab CM and Legislators After Delhi Defeat

New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Following the significant electoral defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi by the BJP, party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with Ministers and legislators, for a crucial gathering in the national capital on Tuesday.

This meeting arises in light of AAP's overwhelming loss in the Delhi Assembly elections and increasing concerns regarding potential internal discord within the party's Punjab faction.

In the meantime, as Bhagwant Mann embarked on a two-day trip to the scenic Chohal Forest Rest House this Sunday, the government postponed its Cabinet meeting that was initially planned for Monday.

The Cabinet meeting, which was due to occur after a five-month hiatus due to AAP's extensive campaigning for various elections in both the state and Delhi, is now rescheduled for Thursday.

Nevertheless, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang played down rumors of dissent, describing the upcoming gathering as a "routine strategy session". He stated, "A party is a continuous process. Feedback from all units is taken to shape its future strategies. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with AAP MLAs will meet Arvind Kejriwal to discuss the way forward."

As per party insiders, the discussions will center on evaluating the Delhi election outcomes and strategizing for the upcoming Punjab elections set for 2027.

AAP, which previously held power in Delhi for a decade, faced a drastic setback in the polls on February 5, managing to secure only 22 seats in the 70-member assembly.

The BJP, with 48 seats, has ended AAP's governance in the capital, raising alarms about the party's electoral viability in other regions.

According to sources, Kejriwal organized this meeting with Punjab leaders amid speculation that several AAP MLAs from the state might be engaging with other political parties, reflecting attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party to poach them.

This isn't the first instance where the ruling party in Punjab has accused the BJP of conducting 'Operation Lotus' in the state.

However, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora emphasized that there is nothing significant to interpret from Tuesday's meeting, labeling it a general meeting. He stated, "The party chief will be addressing all of us after the Delhi elections. Otherwise, we have no fear of anyone. We are united. Such meetings have been held in the past also. There is nothing new. Since Kejriwal has not addressed us for a long time now, we will be going to meet him."

According to AAP sources, this meeting will serve as a "general gathering following the Delhi defeat".

"The AAP is now focusing on Punjab after the BJP's actions in Delhi to win the Assembly elections. We aim to maintain unity within the ranks. The party chief's motivational talks are vital as defeat can demoralize leaders. We also want to ensure that our MLAs are not targeted by the BJP, which has historically attempted to exert pressure on them. However, we have consistently managed to keep our MLAs aligned with us," a source revealed.

Furthermore, there are indications that senior leadership is advocating a return to the AAP's original "Aam Aadmi" values, as it has strayed from this in recent times.

"Kejriwal's lavish renovations of his official residence have negatively impacted our image. People chose us for our relatability to common citizens. We need to revert to our foundational political ideals. Many leaders are keen to bring this up in tomorrow's meeting," an anonymous leader remarked.

Speculation is also rife about Kejriwal potentially taking on a more direct role in Punjab politics moving forward.

As Punjab remains the only state where AAP holds power, the outcomes of Tuesday's meeting could significantly influence the party's future trajectory and stability.