In a high-stakes maneuver amidst the political tempest following Aam Aadmi Party’s supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday convened an emergency meeting with all party legislators and Ministers at his Chandigarh residence. The meeting, held against the backdrop of Kejriwal’s arrest, was a strategic move to fortify unity within the party and send a resounding message to the Centre.
Mincing no words, Mann declared unequivocal support for Kejriwal akin to a rock-solid fortress. The meeting resolved to confront the authoritarian tendencies of the BJP-led Central Government head-on, promising a fitting response in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Additionally, plans were charted for a massive rally slated for March 31 in Delhi, aimed at galvanizing public opinion against what the party terms as ‘political vendetta’. Other than AAP leaders and workers, members of the pan-India opposition bloc — INDIA — are also expected to participate in the rally.
Kejriwal’s arrest has thrown Punjab's political landscape into turmoil— marking the emergence of Bhagwant Mann as a pivotal figure in the party's leadership hierarchy. With the baton of responsibility squarely on his shoulders, Mann's resolve to shoulder this responsibility is resolute. His swift departure to Delhi immediately after Kejriwal's arrest underscored his commitment to stand by the AAP supremo and his family. Mann returned to Punjab on Sunday morning.
This was Mann’s first meeting with AAP MLAs and Ministers after Kejriwal’s arrest. Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawa, state working president Principal Budhram, and Deputy Speaker Jai Kishan, also attended the meeting aimed to reaffirm the party's solidarity amidst the crisis.
Discussions extended beyond Kejriwal's arrest, touching upon various electoral and other issues. Prior to the meeting, Mann visited families of the victims of the hooch tragedy.
It has been learnt that a decision has been taken in the meeting that the matter of Kejriwal's arrest by the Central Government through the Enforcement Directorate would be taken among the masses, highlighting the “conspiracy” to not only imprison Kejriwal but also create an atmosphere of authoritarianism in the country. AAP aimed to launch a campaign exposing the actions of the BJP-led Central Government.
Deliberations also revolved around Mann potentially spending more time in Delhi in the coming days due to the fallout from Kejriwal's arrest. With the responsibility of leading the party forward falling squarely on Mann's shoulders, he may have to divide his time between Punjab and Delhi, engaging in party’s election campaigning nationwide during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
