AAP Revives 2017 Promise, Eyes Dalit Deputy CM for Punjab Ahead of 2027 Polls
In a strategic move ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is actively considering the appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister in Punjab, with a strong focus on social engineering to balance caste equations. This initiative aims to fulfill a promise made by party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal during the 2017 state polls, where he pledged a Dalit Deputy CM if AAP came to power.
Social Engineering and Caste Dynamics
The party is weighing options between two key ministers: Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, a Dalit face, and Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora, a Hindu leader. Sources indicate that the AAP central leadership, including Kejriwal, has held several meetings to discuss this appointment, driven by the need to appeal to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, which constitutes over 32% of Punjab's population. This move is seen as crucial for retaining power in the upcoming elections, as the BJP expands its footprint and targets both Hindu and SC voters.
Frontrunners for the Deputy CM Post
Harpal Cheema, currently second in the Punjab Cabinet pecking order, is a prominent Dalit leader and has served as the Leader of Opposition in the past. Known as a trouble-shooter for the AAP government, Cheema has been instrumental in handling crises, such as negotiations with protesting farmers and defusing controversies. His non-controversial image and financial management skills make him a strong candidate.
Sanjeev Arora, a Hindu minister, holds significant portfolios including local bodies, power, and industries. He has accompanied Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on investor outreach trips and is pushing for resource mobilization to fund welfare schemes like the Rs 1,000 monthly payment for women. Arora was reportedly promised the Deputy CM berth for vacating his Rajya Sabha seat to contest a bypoll.
Promise-Fulfilling Mode and Welfare Schemes
The AAP government is in a promise-fulfilling mode, having rolled out initiatives like free power and free pilgrimage schemes. Recently, CM Mann announced provisions in the annual budget for a scheme to pay Rs 1,000 per month to women voters, further solidifying the party's welfare agenda. The appointment of a Deputy CM aligns with this trend, as the party seeks to strengthen its social outreach.
Political Implications and Future Scenarios
Sources suggest that the party might consider appointing both Cheema and Arora as Deputy CMs to appease both SC and Hindu communities, though no final decision has been made. This strategy comes as the BJP intensifies efforts to consolidate these voter bases, causing discomfort within AAP ranks. The party had previously attempted caste balance by appointing Aman Arora as state party president.
As the 2027 polls approach, AAP's focus on social engineering and fulfilling past promises highlights its commitment to maintaining a strong political foothold in Punjab, while navigating complex caste dynamics and electoral challenges.
