By Satinder Bains
CHANDIGARH: Trouble is brewing in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the relationship between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal appears increasingly strained. What was once projected as a model of Delhi-Punjab political harmony now shows visible cracks, with mistrust widening between the state leadership and the central command.
Kejriwal’s Punjab Visit Deepens Suspicion
The internal rift became more evident during Kejriwal’s recent visit to flood-affected districts. Mann, who had been active on the ground a day earlier, was conspicuously absent. Kejriwal claimed the Chief Minister was “exhausted” and had been put on a drip, but the explanation was widely dismissed as a lame cover-up for the growing tensions. Besides, Kejriwal was absent from Punjab scene for quite some time. Interestingly, PR department of Punjab Government has not issued any official press release on the visit of Arvind Kejriwal to flood hit areas on Thursday, Septemebr 4. Kejriwal was accompanied by AAP state president Aman Arora and Minister Mohinder Bhagat.
Flood Crisis Turns Political
The devastating floods in Punjab have turned into a political minefield. Public anger over widespread destruction, ineffective relief, and poor preparedness has cornered the AAP government. Social media has been flooded with criticism of Mann, with some accusing him of being drunk during flood inspections—a charge that has further dented his image.
Analysts believe Mann may now try to shift the blame onto Delhi, arguing that constant interference from Kejriwal and his aides restricted his ability to govern effectively. On the other hand, party insiders suggest the central leadership may use the flood fiasco as an opportunity to sideline Mann and replace him in a bid to salvage AAP’s image before the next election.
No Press Release
Interestingly, PR department of Punjab Government has not issued any official press release on the visit of Arvind Kejriwal to flood hit areas on Thursday, Septemebr 4. Kejriwal was accompanied by AAP state president Aman Arora and Minister Mohinder Bhagat.
Sparks from Delhi Remarks
The tension first flared after AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who oversees Punjab affairs, reportedly remarked that the party would return to power in 2027 “by hook or crook.” The comment has fueled suspicions in Mann’s camp that Delhi is undermining Punjab’s autonomy and preparing to tighten its grip over the state unit.
Pathanmajra Episode Raises More Questions
The crisis escalated with the controversy involving Hardeep Singh Pathanmajra, the Sanour MLA and a close relative of Mann. Pathanmajra accused the Delhi leadership of high-handedness and claimed Mann was “working under pressure, ” sparking debate over whether Punjab’s Chief Minister had been reduced to a mere figurehead.
His dramatic escape from police custody—despite a heavy police presence—has raised troubling questions. Pathanmajra alleged he had narrowly survived a bid to kill him in a staged encounter, suggesting a deeper conspiracy within party ranks. Even more sensational were his claims of possessing “blue films” of certain Delhi leaders—an explosive charge that could further destabilize the already fragile relationship between Mann and Kejriwal.
Political Insecurity on Both Sides
Sources say both sides are rattled. Mann fears being replaced amid public dissatisfaction with his government’s three-year record, while Kejriwal worries about a potential revolt by MLAs loyal to Mann. Pathanmajra’s defiance is being seen as the first spark of such a rebellion.
Would AAP survive in Punjab?
The big question now: Will Bhagwant Mann survive this storm, or will Delhi’s high command sacrifice him to protect the party’s larger interests? Either way, the turbulence has laid bare deep fissures within AAP—raising an even bigger question: Can the party survive in Punjab if the conflict spirals further?