Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amplified its attack on the ruling AAP Punjab government, with party national general secretary Tarun Chugh claiming on Monday that the "countdown for Bhagwant Mann's government has already started".
Chugh's remarks came amid speculation of dissent within the AAP's Punjab unit following the party's defeat in the Delhi Assembly polls, the results of which were declared on Saturday.
"Delhi got rid of the 'AAP-da' (disaster) and now, the people of Punjab also want to get rid of the 'AAP-da'. The Bhagwant Mann government has failed to tackle the liquor, sand and mining mafia," he said, adding that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would act as a strong opposition in Punjab.
Newly-elected BJP MLA from West Delhi's Rajouri Garden Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Kejriwal might sideline Mann.
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"It is being said that Kejriwal will declare Bhagwant Mann inefficient by highlighting that he has not fulfilled promises like ₹1,000 each for women and controlling drug abuse. Then he will take charge himself," Sirsa claimed. He also cautioned Mann, saying, "Kejriwal is not loyal to anybody. He has betrayed everyone."
The growing political chatter has drawn comparisons with the 2022 scenario in Maharashtra, where Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, ultimately toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav hinted at a similar scenario in Punjab, saying, "Punjab does not like interference by outsiders. Surely, we could see an Eknath Shinde model playing out there."
The AAP secured a landslide victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls, winning 92 of the 117 seats. However, with Punjab being the only state where the party is in power following its poll defeat Delhi and a poor show in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the AAP faces increasing scrutiny over its internal cohesion and governance.
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