In the absence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a pivotal meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Jalandhar on Sunday, Rajya Sabha MP and senior AAP leader Sandeep Pathak stepped into the forefront, convening a closed-door session with Punjab Ministers and MLAs to strategize for the upcoming by-elections.
Conducted discreetly at a local hotel and shielded from media scrutiny, the meeting focused squarely on AAP’s internal strategies. Pathak commended the team for their recent victory in the Jalandhar West by-election, urging them to maintain their momentum.
At the same time, he underscored the critical nature of the upcoming electoral challenges and outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at securing further successes for the party in Punjab.
“We should maintain the momentum…we should ensure AAP's continued success in the upcoming by-elections. There is a need to come up with cohesive strategies and effective campaigning to secure victories in the remaining constituencies,” said Pathak.
Pathak also discussed various tactics and plans with the Ministers and MLAs, focusing on grassroots mobilization and addressing local issues. The meeting underscored the party’s commitment to leveraging its recent successes to build a stronger foothold in Punjab.
With four by-elections on the horizon, AAP is keen on replicating its Jalandhar West success. The discussions in the meeting revolved around targeted campaigning, voter outreach, and addressing constituency-specific concerns. Pathak stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among party members to achieve their goals.
He also encouraged the Ministers and MLAs to stay connected with the grassroots, understand the electorate’s needs, and work diligently towards addressing their concerns.
“We discussed many issues...After the Lok Sabha elections, morale was low among the party workers, but winning this by-election is a good sign. Pathak's strategic advice and the teamwork shown in today's meeting have boosted AAP's confidence for the upcoming elections in four assembly areas," a senior AAP leader told The Pioneer.
At the same time, Pathak extended his gratitude to all party workers and leaders who contributed to the Jalandhar West victory. He recognized their hard work and dedication, which played a crucial role in securing the seat for AAP.
The absence of CM Bhagwant Mann from the Jalandhar visit did not dampen the spirits of the AAP leadership. Under Pathak’s guidance, the meeting was a significant step towards consolidating AAP’s position in Punjab.
Mohinder Bhagat Set To Be Minister
Chandigarh: AAP’s Mohinder Bhagat, who clinched an impressive victory in the Jalandhar West by-election, may soon take oath as the Cabinet Minister in Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s council within the next couple of days. The preparations for the same have, reportedly, already commenced. Sources revealed that the Punjab Government has sought time from the Governor's House for the same.
Following Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer’s resignation from the ministerial post after winning the Lok Sabha elections from Sangrur, no new member was inducted into the Cabinet. Considering the same, Mohindaer Bhagat stands poised to become the state's Sports Minister, a fitting role given Jalandhar's stature as a hub for sports industries. At the same time, Chief Minister Mann, who left no stone unturned while personally steering the poll campaign for Mohinder Bhagat with the promise of making him the Minister in his Cabinet.
Sources indicate that the Chief Minister Mann is not planning extensive reshuffles in the Cabinet, with Mohinder Bhagat being the sole addition.
Mohinder Bhagat comes from a political lineage — his father Chunni Lal Bhagat, had served as a Minister in the Akali-BJP coalition government. While the elder Bhagat has since retired from active politics, a former BJP leader Mohinder Bhagat joined AAP, and subsequently secured the ticket for the Jalandhar West by-election. He garnered 55,246 votes, significantly ahead of the combined tally of 15 candidates from BJP, Congress, Akali Dal, and independents, who collectively managed 39,363 votes against him.
Chief Minister Mann had promised during the by-election campaign to ensure Mohinder Bhagat’s elevation, aiming to solidify support in Jalandhar West. Currently, there is no Minister from urban Jalandhar in the AAP Government, although MLA Balkar Singh from Kartarpur constituency holds a ministerial portfolio.
