Bolstered by the bypoll win, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab is set to make a decisive leap in its preparation for the municipal corporation elections by initiating the candidate application process soon. The key decision, announced during a series of strategic meetings led by AAP Punjab president Aman Arora on Thursday, marked a critical step in the party’s plan to consolidate its urban governance footprint.
Arora, presiding over day-long meetings at the party office in Chandigarh, engaged with senior leaders, district in-charges, and organizational teams representing major divisions, including Patiala, Phagwara, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana. “The Municipal Corporation elections are a golden opportunity to strengthen AAP’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance. We are determined to deliver leadership that serves the people with integrity and vision,†he said.
AAP’s decision to prioritize merit, integrity, and a service-oriented mindset in candidate selection is seen as a transformative approach. Arora emphasized that the process would be rigorous, ensuring that only the most capable individuals represent the party. “Our focus is on selecting candidates who embody the values of honesty, dedication, and a deep understanding of local issues,†he remarked.
The grassroots-driven strategy reflected AAP’s resolve to foster a connection with urban voters, reinforcing its narrative of a citizen-centric governance model. Feedback from district-level leaders and party workers will play a vital role in shaping the party’s election campaign, further strengthening its reach at the community level.
The meetings resonated with optimism following AAP’s recent by-poll successes, which have reinvigorated the party cadre. Leaders, including Local Government Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to replicate its winning formula in the local body elections. “Our by-poll victories have shown that the people trust AAP’s vision for Punjab. We are confident of setting new benchmarks in the upcoming municipal elections,†Arora added.
Discussions during the meetings revolved around campaign strategies, organizational outreach, and urban governance reforms. AAP’s plan included intensifying grassroots outreach, leveraging its success in rural development, and translating that into actionable urban initiatives. The leaders outlined efforts to ensure participation from all organizational levels, underscoring the importance of cohesive teamwork in achieving electoral success.
The sessions also provided a platform for MLAs, ministers, and district heads to collaborate and strategize. Key participants included Ministers Harbhajan Singh ETO, Dr Balbir Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat, along with MLAs Raman Arora, Madan Lal Bagga, and Daljit Singh Garwal. Their inputs highlighted the shared vision of strengthening urban local bodies under AAP's administration.
The enthusiasm among party workers and leaders was palpable, with many asserting that Punjab’s urban electorate is ready for change. “The people of Punjab know that AAP delivers on its promises. We are committed to creating a model of urban governance that prioritizes people’s welfare over political gains,†Arora concluded.
