Following his humiliating electoral drubbing, speculations have been rife that ‘unelected’ AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal could make desperate political maneuvering to stay relevant in the media limelight. After losing New Delhi constituency to BJP’s Parvesh Verma, Kejriwal’s chances of getting into Delhi Assembly is miniscule, one which requires a bypoll for unforeseen reasons but that too can take several months, if not years. Initially, there were strong buzz in the power corridor that the activist turned restless politician could catapult himself in the state politics of Punjab, even usurping the Chief Ministerial post, but the demographic composition and the optics of ousting a Sikh CM tells that the game of greed can be too risky if not fatal.
Now on 26th February, the Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a full frontal attack on the unelected AAP leader. Incidentally, AAP has announced the candidacy of its Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West Assembly that will go for bypolls in the next election cycle as and when announced. The uncanny development has prompted the BJP to accuse AAP supremo of being greedy and axe his own party colleagues for his personal gains and securing a Bungalow in the National Capital.
The developments explained
On February 25, AAP announced its Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjeev Arora, as its candidate for the Ludhiana West Assembly by-poll. This decision has fueled buzz that Kejriwal may seek entry into Parliament through ugly political maneuvering. However, soon after the announcement, the party dismissed such speculation, asserting that the former Delhi Chief Minister would not be heading to the Rajya Sabha. But, one should understand why suddenly a Rajya Sabha member of AAP is being asked to run in a by-poll election.
Initially, it was speculated that Kejriwal might enter the Rajya Sabha by taking over Arora’s seat after the latter’s resignation. The Election Commission has yet to declare the schedule for the Ludhiana West by-poll, but it is expected to be held in November alongside the Bihar Assembly elections.
AAP’s chief spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, rejected the rumours regarding Kejriwal’s Rajya Sabha entry and dismissed any speculation about him becoming the Chief Minister of Punjab. The speculation of becoming Punjab CM may be wrong because it will directly expose Kejriwal’s ambitions but ruling out the Rajya Sabha entry looks a bit difficult for political analysts.
The matter has ignited a political debate, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that Punjab is being ruled on the direction from Delhi. He claimed that Arora would soon step down as a Rajya Sabha MP to make way for either Kejriwal or former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
“Once again, Punjab has been forced to bow before Delhi. Punjab is suffering while Bhagwant Mann remains indifferent. He is unconcerned about the welfare of Punjab and its people,” Majithia tweeted.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu strongly criticized Kejriwal, accusing him of being desperate to hold onto power.
“Ludhiana West By-election: Is Kejriwal’s entry into the Rajya Sabha a well-planned conspiracy? Is this yet another ploy to retain a government bungalow in Delhi? Why has an AAP Rajya Sabha member suddenly decided to contest a state assembly election? Is this Kejriwal’s strategy to regain influence or the beginning of a larger political game? His greed knows no bounds! Kejriwal is willing to go to any extent to hold onto his influence,” Bittu wrote in a Facebook post.
AAP has been focusing extensively on Punjab since its crushing defeat in Delhi. The party, which once dominated the national capital, managed to secure only 22 out of 70 Assembly seats, while the BJP clinched a decisive victory by winning 48 seats. Hence, the party has been trying to consolidate its position in Punjab, its last remaining stronghold.
Targeting Kejriwal, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said, “Kejriwal is attempting to re-enter power through Punjab, and some Rajya Sabha members will be forced to step aside for him.”
He further said that AAP’s Punjab unit was grappling with internal strife following its humiliating loss in Delhi. According to him, several AAP MLAs were confused and thinking of leaving the party.
He added, “Bhagwant Mann has lost control over his government and the party. Many AAP MLAs are dissatisfied, and I am in contact with several of them who are considering defecting.”
His comments sparked a heated political exchange, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hitting back. He dismissed Bajwa’s remarks as an attention-seeking tactic.
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Mann replied, “They claim to be in touch with our MLAs, but they are struggling to keep their own party together.”