Heralding the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) “improved” performance in the recently-concluded 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Punjab Chief Minister on Monday said that the party surpassed its previous electoral feats by not only securing a notable improvement in its seat count but also in vote share. At the same time, Mann pledged a relentless commitment to introspection and refinement. Determined to propel the party to even greater heights, the Chief Minister vowed to meticulously analyze and address any deficiencies in AAP’s functioning, ensuring a path of continuous enhancement and excellence.
Mann, addressing the media in Mohali after paying obeisance at Gurudwara Singh Shaheedan and praying for progress and prosperity of the state along with his wife, highlighted that AAP managed to secure three of the 13 available seats — a notable increase from their previous tally of one seat.
The Chief Minister attributed this success to the growing voter support for AAP, despite the Congress party emerging victorious with seven seats, overshadowing not only the ruling AAP but also the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Additionally, two independents secured surprise wins, further fragmenting the electoral landscape in Punjab.
Mann pointed out that AAP’s vote share had significantly enhanced from seven percent in 2019 to over 26 percent in the current polls. He contrasted this with the decline in Congress’ vote share and the near elimination of the BJP in the state. “Our performance has shown a marked improvement, but we recognize that there is room for growth and development,” said Mann.
He assured that the party would analyze and address any shortcomings in their strategy and execution to enhance their performance in future elections.
Mann did not shy away from criticizing the BJP, accusing them of failing to fulfill their electoral promises and highlighting significant losses for prominent figures within the party. He quipped, “Despite the grand claims of crossing 400 seats, the BJP has not been able to secure even 250 seats nationwide, necessitating the formation of a coalition government under the NDA banner.” He envisioned a reduced influence of what he termed the “dictatorship of the saffron party”, as the current Lok Sabha constitution reflects a strong opposition.
Looking ahead, Mann expressed his commitment to the upcoming paddy season in Punjab, assuring that directives have been issued to the Power and Water Resources Department to ensure adequate preparation. He urged the farmers to utilize canal water instead of groundwater to preserve this vital resource.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that contentious policies such as the Agniveer scheme would be reconsidered in light of the election results. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to working tirelessly for the well-being of its citizens and the development of Punjab. "New policies are being formulated to boost the state's growth and development, ensuring that Punjab remains on the path to prosperity," he added.
Mann said that the State Government has released Rs 91 crore pending for the post Matric scholarship scheme. He said that 50 percent decline has been witnessed in the students seeking immigration to Canada as the state of art technical education is being imparted to students.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is fully ready for the upcoming by-election for Jalandhar (West) assembly segment. “AAP is a national party which will contest the by-poll vehemently and ensure the victory,” said Mann, adding that the party will contest this poll with full might and win this seat that fallen vacant due to resignation of MLA.
Mann said that several leaders, who have lost the general elections, have been made the Ministers in the new Union Cabinet. “The new state Minister from Punjab Ravneet Bittu should flag the issues of state especially regarding stopping of funds with the Union Government so that they are immediately released,” said Mann, adding that it is imperative to give impetus to the development of the state and prosperity of its people.
CM Mann Holds Strategy Meeting with AAP Leaders
Punjab Chief Minister and AAP’s Punjab unit president Bhagwant Mann on Monday convened a crucial meeting with party leaders and officials from the Amritsar and Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha constituencies. The discussion centered on the recent Lok Sabha elections and the development agenda for the respective areas.
Attendees included candidates from both constituencies, along with MLAs and party functionaries. While acknowledging the electoral outcome, Mann praised the party’s improved performance compared to previous elections in the region.
During the meeting, Mann emphasized the importance of addressing local issues and accelerating development initiatives. He thanked AAP workers for their dedicated efforts during the elections.
Following the gathering, Mann highlighted the plans to expedite pending development projects in the region.
