Amid growing speculation of a mass exodus from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, only 65% of the party's MLAs attended a crucial meeting in Jalandhar on Tuesday. The low turnout has raised eyebrows and sparked fresh concerns about internal dissent within the ruling party.
Meeting Called to Address Exodus Rumors
The meeting was convened by the party leadership to discuss the recent buzz about several MLAs planning to leave AAP and join other parties. Sources said that out of 92 AAP MLAs in Punjab, only about 60 were present at the event. This means nearly 35% of the party's legislators were absent, fueling speculation that the exodus rumors may have some substance.
Leadership Downplays Absences
Senior AAP leaders, however, downplayed the absences, attributing them to prior commitments and local engagements. “Many MLAs are busy with constituency work and development projects. The meeting was not mandatory for everyone,” said a party spokesperson. Nevertheless, the low attendance has not gone unnoticed by political observers, who see it as a sign of growing discontent within the party.
The meeting was held at a hotel in Jalandhar and was attended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who addressed the gathering and urged unity. “We are a family, and we will stay together. No one is leaving,” Mann told the MLAs. However, his words did little to quell the rumors, especially after several MLAs were reportedly seen having private discussions with opposition party representatives in recent weeks.
Opposition Parties Circle
The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have both claimed that they are in touch with disgruntled AAP MLAs. “We are ready to welcome anyone who wants to leave AAP. The party is falling apart,” said a senior Congress leader. The BJP has also hinted at possible defections, though no formal announcements have been made.
Political analysts say the situation is reminiscent of the 2022 defections that led to the fall of the previous Congress government in Punjab. “If even a handful of MLAs leave, it could destabilize the AAP government. The party needs to act fast to plug the leaks,” said an analyst.
What Lies Ahead
With the meeting failing to project a united front, the AAP faces an uphill task in retaining its flock. The next few weeks are likely to be crucial as the party tries to convince its MLAs to stay put. Meanwhile, the opposition is expected to step up efforts to lure away disgruntled legislators. The political drama in Punjab is far from over.
