Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal commenced a three-day visit to Punjab, aiming to build on the party's momentum after its strong performance in recent local body elections. The tour began with a road show in Bathinda on Friday, with focus shifting to key urban centers and economic dialogues, including a meeting of the newly formed trade commission in Jalandhar on Saturday and a celebratory roadshow in Mohali.
Political Significance of Mohali Roadshow
The upcoming Mohali roadshow carries political weight for the ruling party, following the election of AAP candidate Sarabjit Singh Samana as mayor of Mohali Municipal Corporation. Samana, a three-time councillor and son of local AAP MLA Kulwant Singh, secured the mayoral seat with backing from 35 councillors in the 50-member house. Kejriwal's tour comes as party ranks are buoyed by AAP winning 958 out of 1,977 contested wards across eight Municipal Corporations, 75 Municipal Councils, and 19 Nagar Panchayats.
Organizational Consolidation
Beyond public rallies and community outreach, organizational consolidation is a key component of this tour. In all three major urban hubs — Bathinda, Jalandhar, and Mohali — Kejriwal will hold crucial closed-door interactions with local MLAs and newly elected councillors. These strategy sessions aim to streamline local governance and strengthen coordination between grassroots leadership and local MLAs, according to an AAP leader.
A string of newly elected AAP mayors have officially taken oaths across major municipal strongholds. In Barnala, Hasan Bhardwaj made history by taking oath as the city's first-ever mayor after its upgrade to a municipal corporation, backed by a massive 36-ward sweep. In Moga, Vinaypal Kaur took reins as the new mayor, securing leadership of a civic body where AAP now commands a firm majority with 30 councillors.
Political Analysts Weigh In
While political analysts note that municipal polls historically favor the incumbent party in the state, AAP leadership is attempting to channel this sweeping local body momentum into the high-stakes Punjab assembly elections.
Trade Commission Meeting
At the traders' event in Jalandhar, AAP leadership will showcase recent industry-friendly initiatives. The AAP-led Punjab government announced the setting up of the Punjab Trade Commission in February 2026. Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema rolled out the initiative after extensive groundwork and review meetings across districts including Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, and Moga, to coordinate directly with local shopkeepers and small business owners.
