CHANDIGARH: Following the recent electoral defeat of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, a power struggle has begun within its ranks, as asserted by Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel. Speaking at a press conference on March 1, 2025, Baghel emphasized the need for the Congress leadership in Punjab to unite and work toward displacing the AAP government from power.
Baghel, who is newly appointed to oversee Punjab's Congress initiatives, stated, "A power struggle had already started in AAP, with the defeated Delhi leaders having started taking charge and control of various government departments in Punjab." This remark came after meetings with senior Congress leaders, including MPs, MLAs, and district party presidents, where plans to reinforce party unity were discussed.
Addressing concerns over partisanship within the Punjab Congress, he remarked, "There was complete unity and unanimity among the leadership to strengthen the party in the state." The confidence expressed by Baghel suggests the party is actively strategizing to capitalize on AAP's recent setbacks.
On the issue of the Ludhiana West byelection, for which AAP has prematurely announced its candidate, Baghel noted, "The purpose of announcing the candidate by the AAP was to create a Rajya Sabha vacancy for its leader Arvind Kejriwal after his defeat in Delhi." This statement highlights concerns among Congress leaders about AAP's maneuvering to retain influence even after electoral losses.
Baghel did not shy away from critiquing AAP's governance. Regarding the Punjab government's recent declaration to eradicate the drug menace within three months, he asked rhetorically, "What was the government doing for three years?" He portrayed AAP's strategies as mere rhetoric aimed at masking their governance failures, labeling the government's announcements as "high on rhetoric and low on delivery."
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police reported significant activity against drug-related offenses, effectively arresting 290 individuals during state-wide operations aimed at identified drug hotspots. This operation led to the registration of 232 first information reports (FIRs), with Director General of Police Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, confirming these figures during the announcement.
At the core of the Congress meeting was the roadmap outlined for upcoming efforts, falling under the 'Nav Satyagraha' initiative launched by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) at its Belgavi Session. Baghel mentioned plans for engaging the entire party apparatus down to the booth level to strengthen grassroots activism and involvement.
Notably, Baghel stressed the importance of internal party communication over media criticisms, advising local leaders to address concerns directly within party forums rather than going public. Such strategies may be viewed as attempts to maintain party cohesion amid rising stakes following the electoral downturn.
The clarity and coordination displayed by the Punjab Congress leadership come amid their commitment to capitalize on AAP's vulnerability and potential divisions. With Baghel asserting the continuance and effectiveness of current leaders, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Partap Singh Bajwa, he laid the groundwork for immediate party action against the AAP government.
Baghel's assertive stance on the recent challenges faced by AAP, as well as his emphasis on unity within Congress, indicates increased political maneuvering as Punjab approaches pivotal elections. This period of uncertainty presents Congress with opportunities to communicate their vision and appeal to Punjab's electorate disillusioned with the current government.
Overall, the leadership dynamics within Congress and the strategic challenges posed by AAP's internal strife will be at the forefront as both parties navigate this political terrain. The outcomes of these efforts remain to be seen as the political climate shifts following the Delhi elections.