Arvind Kejriwal meets Punjab CM Mann, MLAs after AAP's Delhi defeat amid speculation of exodus

Sources within the party suggest that the agenda of the meeting includes assessing the Delhi election outcome and devising a roadmap for the 2027 Punjab elections

A meeting took place in the national capital between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, state ministers, and party MLAs.

The meeting follows AAP’s big defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections and rising speculation about internal discord within the party’s Punjab unit.

After the meeting, Mann informed that Kejriwal thanked the MLAs for their work in the Delhi polls. "Our MLAs arrived here for a meeting with party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed his gratitude for their efforts in campaigning during the Delhi Assembly elections," the chief minister said.

He further added, "Our government in Punjab has always worked for the public welfare whether it’s in education or infrastructure sectors. Now, we need to accelerate our efforts. Winning and losing is a part of the game. People of Delhi still remember us as someone who worked for them. We have two years more in Punjab. We will make Punjab a good model to showcase the entire country".

Mann denies reports of internal discord in Punjab AAP

Mann also rubbished Congress's claim of dissent in the AAP's state unit, asserting dedication of its leaders and workers.

Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, alleged that Arvind Kejriwal might now seek to replace Bhagwant Mann as the state’s chief minister.

“After a massive setback in Delhi, Kejriwal will now head to Punjab,” Bajwa told The Indian Express. He also claimed that over 30 AAP MLAs of the state's ruling party were in touch with his party and could switch sides.

Hitting out at his claims, CM Mann said, "Bajwa has been saying this. He should not count our MLAs and instead see how many MLAs Congress has in Delhi." Mann asserted that the AAP leaders are a "dedicated lot with no greed".

What we know about the meeting?

Sources within the party suggested that the agenda of the meeting included assessing the Delhi election outcome and devising a roadmap for the 2027 Punjab elections.

Tuesday’s meeting carries added significance amid reports of unrest within AAP’s Punjab unit, with speculation growing that some MLAs are dissatisfied with the leadership and may explore other options.

There is also speculation that Kejriwal could consider a more direct role in Punjab politics now. With Ludhiana's assembly seat currently vacant, political observers are also discussing the possibility of Kejriwal contesting from there and becoming a part of the Punjab government.

Given that Punjab is the only state under AAP’s rule, the discussions and decisions from Tuesday’s meeting could significantly impact the party’s direction and stability.

Here’s what the Opposition had said

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu cautioned that Punjab could be the next state to turn against AAP, citing the party’s governance failures and a growing shift in public sentiment. “Now it is the turn of Punjab. The people of Punjab have made up their minds. It is now the turn of hypocrites,” he said.

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said that the people of Punjab are disillusioned with AAP’s governance. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Punjab must also be made 'AAP-da' free,” Jakhar said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa predicted mid-term elections in Punjab. “Punjab should be ready for mid-term polls. At least 35 AAP MLAs are ready to jump ship. The Delhi results will expose the corruption of AAP in Punjab,” Randhawa said.

Having ruled Delhi for a decade, AAP encountered a major setback in the February 5 elections, securing only 22 seats in the 70-member Assembly.

The BJP’s decisive win with 48 seats not only ended AAP’s dominance in Delhi but also fuelled concerns about its performance in future elections.