Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday called for a new president for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, expressing his desire to relinquish the party’s state leadership role, which he has held for seven years now. In a significant move, Mann emphasized that the state unit of AAP could benefit from a full-time president, allowing him to focus more effectively on his responsibilities as the Chief Minister.
Mann, speaking in Chabbewal while campaigning for party candidate Ishaank, noted, “I’ve held the position of AAP president in Punjab for the last seven years. Given my duties as Chief Minister, including oversight of 13-14 departments, I believe it’s time for someone else to take on this role.”
He further added that he intended to present this proposal to the party high command, aiming for a decision that strengthens the party’s organizational structure.
Mann’s leadership has been crucial for AAP’s stronghold in Punjab, leading the party to a sweeping victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections with 92 out of 117 seats, marking a landmark achievement for the party in the state. Since then, his role has extended beyond state administration to overseeing critical elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, recent panchayat elections, and the upcoming by-elections for four seats.
Discussing his role, Mann clarified that he would remain committed to serving the party as a volunteer, highlighting that his call for a new president stemmed from a practical need for balanced leadership. When asked about potential successors, Mann remarked that the decision rests with the party high command but acknowledged Prof Budh Ram, who was appointed as the acting president in June 2023, as a capable leader.
AAP insiders view this shift as part of a strategic recalibration with the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections in sight. Strengthening the party’s organizational network across the State has emerged as a top priority, especially with the focus on securing future victories. Party sources have revealed that national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has recently increased his engagement with Punjab MLAs, meeting them individually in Delhi to gauge ground realities and bolster internal cohesion.
This restructuring within the Punjab unit could herald a new phase for AAP, positioning it strategically for the upcoming assembly elections. Political analysts suggest that Mann’s proposal for a dedicated state president could enhance the party's reach and responsiveness, particularly in a politically dynamic state like Punjab.
Mann Promises Rs 1,100 Monthly for Women Soon
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced a significant initiative, hinting at an upcoming plan to provide Rs 1,100 monthly to women in the state. Addressing an AAP volunteer meeting in Chabbewal, Mann noted that he has been working to allocate budget for this welfare scheme, which he hope will offer direct financial support to Punjab’s women.
Mann addressed young volunteers and urged them to prioritize women’s issues. “Just like our zero-bill electricity scheme, we want this Rs 1,100 assistance to benefit the women of Punjab every month,” he said, adding that the government intends to launch the scheme responsibly, with the necessary financial provisions already under review. The announcement follows a series of welfare measures introduced by Mann’s Government, including free electricity and reforms in public safety.
In a rally in Chabbewal, Mann also took a stance against political rivals, emphasizing that AAP’s focus remains on the welfare of ordinary citizens, unlike the Congress and Akali Dal, who, he alleged, only seek political gain. He further remarked that AAP’s candidate Ishank Chabbewal, a local youth leader, would prioritize grassroots issues and pledged his immediate support for all the candidate’s initiatives.
In Dera Baba Nanak, Mann Accuses Rivals of Neglecting Public Welfare
Campaigning for AAP candidate Gurdeep Randhawa in the Dera Baba Nanak constituency, Chief Minister Mann took a sharp stance against Congress and Akali Dal leaders, accusing them of prioritizing power over public service. Mann alleged that Congress leaders engage primarily in power struggles, neglecting the welfare of the people. “While they fight for power, AAP fights for your children's future,” he said,
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Mann mentioned initiatives like the Sadak Surakhya Force, which has contributed to a 45 percent reduction in road deaths, and new laws simplifying registration processes for land purchases. He stressed that AAP’s clean intentions, led by party leader Arvind Kejriwal, have enabled the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics and Schools of Eminence in Punjab.
