Jalandhar: In a significant political move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has appointed Hoshiarpur Member of Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal as the constituency in-charge for the Phagwara Assembly segment, which falls within his parliamentary constituency. This appointment marks a departure from convention, as it is the first time a party has designated a sitting MP as an Assembly constituency in-charge, effectively positioning him as the likely candidate for the upcoming Assembly election.
Replacing Harji Mann
Dr Chabbewal replaces Harji Mann, the son of former Congress minister Joginder Singh Mann, who was the AAP candidate from Phagwara in the 2022 Assembly elections. Mann has not yet publicly reacted to this change in leadership.
Trend of In-Charge Appointments
The practice of appointing in-charges for Assembly constituencies was initiated by the Shiromani Akali Dal during its tenure in power. This trend was later adopted by the Congress and subsequently by the AAP. Such appointments are seen as a strategic move to streamline party operations and prepare for electoral contests.
Political Background of Dr Chabbewal
Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal's political journey includes his earlier tenure as a Congress MLA from Chabbewal. His son, Dr Ishank Kumar, currently serves as the MLA from Chabbewal. Dr Chabbewal joined AAP ahead of the parliamentary elections and vacated his Assembly seat after winning the Lok Sabha election from Hoshiarpur.
This development is expected to strengthen AAP's organizational structure in the Phagwara region, as the party gears up for future electoral battles. The appointment underscores AAP's strategy of leveraging experienced parliamentarians to oversee grassroots-level assembly segments.
