AAP’s Independent Lok Sabha Campaign in Punjab: Kejriwal Presents Offer in I.N.D.I.A Meeting, 40 Candidates Panel Revealed

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on all 13 seats in Punjab. Internally, AAP has made thorough preparations for this ambitious endeavor, having compiled a list of 40 candidates for the 13 parliamentary constituencies, with some seats having 2 to 4 potential contenders.

According to reliable sources, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal endorsed this decision during a recent meeting held in Delhi a few days ago. Present at the meeting were AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP, Sandeep Pathak, along with Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, and several senior leaders.

In addition to the internal discussions, AAP plans to bring this decision to the forefront in the opposition alliance’s meeting under the banner of I.N.D.I.A. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has already expressed confidence in winning all 13 seats, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to contesting elections independently. However, formal confirmation of the decision to contest solo elections is yet to be officially announced by the AAP.

AAP to Offer Three Contenders per Constituency, Final Selection Post Survey

According to sources, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has nominated three candidates for each parliamentary constituency. The party will now conduct a survey regarding these contenders, and based on the survey results, tickets will be allocated to the candidates who resonate most with the public.

Insiders reveal that the state government, along with senior leaders of the party, may encourage certain ministers to participate in the parliamentary elections. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on involving youth and women actively in the electoral process. Notably, it is strongly rumored that Sushil Rinku, who switched allegiance from Congress to AAP and currently serves as the Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar, is likely to secure the party’s ticket in the upcoming elections.

Significance of Local Body and Panchayat Elections as Contributing Factor

Several factors underlie the decision not to simultaneously participate in the Lok Sabha elections. One pivotal reason is the scheduled local body and Panchayat elections in Punjab following the parliamentary polls. If both parties were to engage in the electoral arena simultaneously, it could potentially impact their prospects. 

Currently holding power in Punjab, AAP faces the Congress as the principal opposition. A joint participation in both elections could elevate the significance of this issue for the opposition, prompting them to address it with greater seriousness. In such a scenario, both parties are keen on avoiding any missteps that could prove detrimental to their electoral objectives.

Congress Declares Intent to Contest Independently in Punjab; Internal Discord Over Alliance with AAP

The Congress party in Punjab has unequivocally asserted its decision to independently contest the upcoming elections, diverging from any potential alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This stance finds support primarily from Navjot Singh Sidhu, while dissenting voices within the party, including senior leaders, express opposition to the prospect of forging an alliance with AAP.

In the quest for suitable candidates, the Congress is actively conducting assessments in the various Lok Sabha constituencies in Punjab. Senior party leaders have been evaluating the ground situation in six parliamentary regions over the course of three days, with recent meetings held in Ludhiana, Sangrur, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur. The focus is on areas where the party currently lacks viable candidates, with strategic considerations driving the candidate selection process.