Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government following the results of the zila parishad and block samiti elections. While expressing satisfaction with his party's performance, Warring alleged widespread manipulation of the electoral process by the state administration.
Warring Alleges Systematic Electoral Hijacking
In his initial reaction as vote counting progressed on Wednesday, Warring stated he was not at all surprised by the results. He attributed the outcome to what he called a "compliant and obedient administration and police" working under the AAP government. The Congress leader accused the ruling party of hijacking the electoral process from the very beginning.
Warring detailed a series of alleged malpractices, claiming that candidates from opposition parties were intimidated and forcibly prevented from filing nomination papers. He further charged that their campaigns were hindered, and the final results were influenced through these tactics. "Given the track record of the AAP government... I am not at all surprised by the results and trends," he asserted.
The 'Final Countdown' for AAP, Says Warring
Striking a defiant note, the Punjab Congress chief declared that the AAP's "final countdown has begun." He warned that while the party might rejoice in what he termed a "manipulated and manufactured outcome," its time in power is limited. Warring predicted that the AAP would be shown the exit door within a year from now, adding that even AAP leaders are aware of this impending reality.
Looking ahead, Warring positioned the upcoming assembly elections as the real battleground. He argued that during the Vidhan Sabha polls, the AAP would not have the support of a pliant administration or police force. Drawing a parallel with the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress won 10 out of 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab while the AAP managed only three, Warring forecasted a repeat performance in February 2027.
Congress Cadres Praised for Perseverance
In a message to party workers, leaders, and the rank and file, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President congratulated them for their perseverance and performance. He commended their efforts against what he described as a "hostile electoral system that the AAP government has thrust on the state."
The statement underscores the heightened political tensions in Punjab as parties begin positioning themselves for the next major electoral contest. Warring's sharp critique signals the Congress's strategy to frame the AAP's local body election gains as illegitimate, setting the stage for a fiercely contested assembly election in 2027.
