Jalandhar: In a show of force following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha members to BJP, AAP convened a meeting of MLAs and hundreds of block observers in Jalandhar this Wednesday, signalling that the party leadership remains in firm control.
Led by Punjab party affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia, with chief minister Bhagwant Mann joining virtually, the meeting at the CT Group of Institutions at Shahpur in Jalandhar focused on moving forward. The party tried to shift from the aggressive traitor rhetoric used in recent days, choosing instead to project a sense of normalcy, even organising physical team-building games for MLAs — a move that drew criticism and swipes from opposition leaders as their videos, including that of Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, surfaced online.
CM Mann, addressing the meeting virtually, compared the party to an ocean, saying that a few people leaving was like parting with some water. "The departure of two-four people does not affect the party. In fact, it is good that they left at this stage," he said, calling volunteers the real strength of the party and claiming to receive calls from public expressing happiness at the exits. Mann also highlighted the significant public support in Punjab and the success achieved in Gujarat. "We are not here for positions, but to advance the mission of elevating Punjab and making history. Regardless of the external conditions, we stand firm for Punjab in every situation," he added.
After the meeting, Sisodia too dismissed concerns regarding the impact of the defections, highlighting the party's deep-rooted organisational structure. "AAP's real strength is Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann's vision and hard work by the party workers. Our workers are motivated and this motivation does not come from an MP or an MLA but from the work being done by the govt," he told the media after the meeting. When questioned about rumours of further defections to the BJP or Congress, Sisodia retorted that MLAs were in touch with their voters, dismissing BJP claims as "big lies" from a party he accused of using central agencies to destabilise rivals. He said each observer is responsible for 15 villages or wards, ensuring a direct feedback to the govt, adding that they met with 2.5 lakh volunteers across Punjab since Feb.
AAP state unit president Aman Arora told the media that the defections would not have any impact. "They didn't have any ground connection, and there would be any damage," he said while responding to a query. Asked if he could take a guarantee about party MLAs (that they would not switch sides), Arora shot back, "Can you take a guarantee of your next breath? Those who were taking their own guarantees ran away. In today's world, do you think there is any relevance of a guarantee? After speaking to our comrades, I am sure that our entire flock is united." He said those who joined AAP through Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak were with the party and would stay on.
CM Appeals for Punjabi Mother Tongue in Census
CM Bhagwant Mann urged party workers to focus on the upcoming April 30 Census. He appealed to the cadre to ensure citizens register Punjabi as their mother tongue, framing the effort as a vital step in preserving the state's cultural identity.
