Punjab gives unexpected mandate to AAP

All big wigs face defeat in Punjab
Among many speculations Aam Adami Party (AAP) swept the Punjab Assembly Polls 2022 whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registers win in other four states where assembly polls were held in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa. AAP routed BJP, Congress, SAD-BSP Alliance in many constituencies in Punjab. Leaders such as Parkash Singh Badal, Capt Amarinder Singh, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Om Parkash Soni, Biramjit Singh Majithia, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Manoranjan Kalia, Vijay Sampla, Tikshan Sud, Surjit Jyani, Arun Narang and Dinesh Babbu are the popular leaders who have lost the elections in Punjab. Even though major factor of AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal that worked and impressed the masses was “vote for change”, “hamey bhi ek mauka do”, Delhi Model Governance, Rs 1000 pension to every female above the age of 18 years”, 300 units of free electricity to every domestic consumer, drugs free state, focus on education and health systems, new job opportunities and the voters rejected the projected manifestos of other political parties. AAP has won more than 92 seats in Punjab Assembly. Thus, Punjab has given unexpected mandate to AAP. Meanwhile, AAP has elected two times Member Parliament and MLA Bhagwant Mann as Leader of the Legislature Party and will be taking oath of secrecy on 16th March 2022 at Khatkar Kalan. There are high hopes from AAP at the present because due to limited Job opportunities youths from Punjab are migrating to abroad for better opportunities will come out with a remedy.

Punjab women in enthusiastic mood 
The women in Punjab are in enthusiastic mood that soon they will receiving the first installment of pension very soon. Interestingly, female voters casted their votes in large number and the result is clear and 300 units of free electricity to every consumer of the state. All the other political parties fail to touch double figure except the Congress which won 18 seats. 

SAD-BJP breakup upset poll prospects 
Since long SAD-BJP alliance was contesting the elections successfully. But, this time both of them got separated on some issues and SAD made a new alliance with the BSP. The new alliance has not worked out this time. And the division of votes has benefitted AAP.

Will Sidhu own moral responsibility?
It is a million dollar question that who will own the responsibility of debacle of Congress in Punjab. Will the PPCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu own the responsibility or once again Congress high command will show its confidence on Sidhu?

Withdrawl of security cover 
Immediately after coming into the power the AAP has issued orders for withdrawal of security cover from former MLAs and ministers in Punjab. It is pertinent to note that Punjab is a Border State and Punjab had witnessed terrorism during 80s to 90s. There is possibility that the Centre will have to intervene in future for providing security cover to leaders whose security cover has been withdrawn. 

Authored by:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru,
Journalist, 
Jalandhar City.