Will Arvind Kejriwal Become Punjab’s CM? Rising Speculation and Political Turmoil

New Delhi, February 11: Amid the political fallout of AAP’s defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, speculations are rife about Arvind Kejriwal’s potential shift to Punjab’s leadership. Following the party’s significant electoral setback in Delhi, where BJP secured a majority after 27 years, Kejriwal has convened a high-level meeting with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP MLAs in Delhi today.

Is Kejriwal Eyeing Punjab’s Chief Ministerial Seat?

The political corridors are abuzz with speculation that Kejriwal might replace Bhagwant Mann as Punjab’s CM to strengthen AAP’s hold in its only ruling state. Both the BJP and Congress have fueled this theory, suggesting that AAP’s leadership crisis and internal discord in Punjab could push Kejriwal to take direct charge.

While these claims remain unverified, today’s meeting has heightened political tensions from Delhi to Punjab. This raises the question: Is Kejriwal preparing for a strategic shift to Punjab after his Delhi setback?

Why These Speculations Hold Weight

• Punjab’s Key Role for AAP: After Delhi’s electoral loss, Punjab remains AAP’s only stronghold. With 13 AAP candidates contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but only three winning, the party’s position in Punjab faces increasing challenges.
• Internal Unrest in Punjab AAP: Reports indicate growing dissatisfaction within AAP’s Punjab unit. Some leaders believe that Delhi’s leadership is exerting excessive control over Punjab’s government, leading to friction and uncertainty.
• Vacant Assembly Seat in Ludhiana: This empty legislative seat has intensified discussions, with political analysts speculating that Kejriwal could contest from here and assume a direct role in Punjab’s administration.

Today’s Meeting: A Pivotal Moment for AAP’s Future

The closed-door meeting called by Kejriwal is officially meant to analyze the Delhi election results, but insiders suggest that it will also shape AAP’s future course in Punjab. AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang dismissed rumors of internal dissent, labeling the session as a regular strategic discussion.

However, given AAP’s weakened standing post-Delhi elections, today’s meeting is expected to lay the foundation for the party’s next big move—whether it involves Kejriwal’s leadership shift to Punjab or a significant restructuring of AAP’s strategy.

What’s Next?

As Punjab remains AAP’s last political bastion, Kejriwal’s next move is crucial. If he chooses to take over as CM, it would mark a major political shift, reshaping Punjab’s leadership dynamics and AAP’s electoral roadmap. The coming days will determine whether these speculations materialize into reality or remain mere political conjectures.