CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday, requesting that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) be allotted a space in Chandigarh for establishing its office. Highlighting AAP’s status as a national party, Mann asserted that the party fulfills all the requisite conditions for having an official office in the Union Territory, similar to other political parties.
Speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan after the meeting, CM Mann stated, "AAP is a national party. We have achieved significant victories, including in Gujarat and the Ludhiana bypolls. We also have MLAs in Goa. Despite this, AAP does not yet have a party office in Chandigarh, even though we meet all the criteria required for one."
Mann pointed out that other major political parties, such as the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have their offices in Chandigarh. He emphasized the need for equal treatment and requested the governor’s intervention in the matter. "We have submitted a formal letter to the governor, seeking a place for AAP to establish its office here, " Mann added.
While addressing media queries, CM Mann talked about cabinet expansion. The chief minister said that AAP's Ludhiana West MLA Sanjeev Arora would be inducted as a cabinet minister, fulfilling a promise made to the people during the by-election campaign. "We will expand the cabinet in the next 2-3 days to include Sanjeev Arora as a minister. This is a commitment we made, and we will deliver on it, " Mann confirmed.
Mann expressed pride in AAP's recent victories in Ludhiana West and Gujarat. He shared plans to celebrate these successes in Delhi alongside party leaders, including Gopal Italia and Sanjeev Arora. "These victories reflect the people's trust in AAP’s honest governance and the hard work of our leaders and workers, " Mann said.
Highlighting the government’s proactive measures to support farmers, Mann mentioned advancements in paddy transplantation schedules to address moisture loss and improve procurement timelines. "We have ensured uninterrupted electricity, adequate canal water, and advanced the procurement timeline to benefit farmers, " he noted.
Mann addressed internal factionalism within the Congress, criticizing their lack of unity and direction. "Congress is riddled with internal conflicts and factionalism. This has been evident during and after the elections. A divided house cannot serve the people effectively, " Mann remarked.
In a sharp critique of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Mann urged them to reassess their role in Punjab politics. "The Akali Dal has been repeatedly rejected by the people. Their candidates are losing deposits, and their influence is diminishing. Not just the Badal family, It may be time for the Akali Dal to reconsider their role in electoral politics, " he stated.