In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Punjab, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has accused Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal of attempting to orchestrate a coup against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The allegations, which have sparked a major political storm, have added fuel to the already simmering tensions within the AAP leadership in Punjab.

The Allegations: A Power Struggle in Punjab?

Sirsa, a senior BJP leader and former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) member, claimed that Kejriwal is actively undermining Mann’s leadership to consolidate his control over Punjab’s governance. According to Sirsa, Kejriwal is treating Punjab as an extension of Delhi and is making all major administrative decisions while sidelining Mann.

“Kejriwal is running the Punjab government through remote control. Bhagwant Mann is just a rubber stamp CM who has no real power. Now, he is trying to completely sideline Mann and take full control of the state,” Sirsa alleged during a press conference in Chandigarh.

He further claimed that Kejriwal’s frequent visits to Punjab and meetings with bureaucrats without Mann’s presence indicate a deliberate effort to weaken the Chief Minister’s authority. According to Sirsa, AAP’s internal factionalism has intensified, with several party leaders expressing dissatisfaction over the way Kejriwal is managing Punjab’s affairs.

The Context: Kejriwal’s Involvement in Punjab Governance

Since AAP’s landslide victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, there have been persistent concerns over Kejriwal’s influence in the state. Unlike other states where the Chief Minister enjoys autonomy, Punjab has seen an unusual level of involvement from Kejriwal, who does not hold an official position in the state government.

AAP’s governance model has largely been centered around Kejriwal’s vision, and many of the policies implemented in Punjab closely resemble those introduced in Delhi. However, critics argue that Punjab has unique challenges—such as agrarian distress, rising debt, and law-and-order issues—that require a localized approach rather than a replication of the Delhi model.

Key Instances of Kejriwal’s Influence in Punjab

1. Key Bureaucratic Appointments: One of the biggest points of contention has been the appointment of officials in Punjab. The selection of Delhi-based bureaucrats for key posts in the Punjab administration has raised concerns about Kejriwal’s increasing control over the state’s governance.
2. Policy Decisions: Several major policy announcements—including free electricity, school reforms, and healthcare initiatives—have been unveiled in Kejriwal’s presence, often overshadowing Mann. The opposition has used these instances to claim that Punjab is being run from Delhi.
3. Frequent Visits and Meetings: Kejriwal has been holding meetings with Punjab ministers and officials, sometimes even without Mann. This has further fueled speculation that Mann is being systematically undermined.

AAP’s Response: Dismissing the Allegations

Reacting to Sirsa’s claims, AAP leaders have dismissed them as baseless and politically motivated. Senior AAP leader and Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called it a “desperate attempt” by the BJP to create a rift between Mann and Kejriwal.

“BJP and its leaders are scared of AAP’s rising popularity. They cannot tolerate a corruption-free government that is working for the people, so they are resorting to spreading fake news,” Cheema stated.

Bhagwant Mann himself has repeatedly asserted that he enjoys full autonomy in decision-making. In a recent address, he said, “I am the elected Chief Minister of Punjab, and I take my own decisions. Kejriwal ji is our leader, and we consult him, but that does not mean he runs the government. This is just another attempt by opposition parties to mislead the people.”

Kejriwal, on the other hand, has maintained that his visits to Punjab are aimed at strengthening AAP’s governance model and ensuring that Punjab gets the best policies. He has also accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize his party’s government through backdoor tactics.

Opposition’s Take: Congress and Akali Dal Weigh In

While BJP has taken the lead in attacking AAP over the alleged “coup,” other opposition parties in Punjab have also joined the conversation. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa remarked that it was clear from the beginning that Kejriwal wanted to control Punjab.

“When Kejriwal refused to declare Bhagwant Mann as the CM candidate for a long time during the 2022 elections, it was evident that he wanted direct control over Punjab. Mann was just a face for AAP. Now, BJP is saying what we have been pointing out for months,” Bajwa said.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also took a swipe at AAP, alleging that Punjab has been reduced to a “puppet state” controlled by Delhi.

“This is what happens when you elect a party that has no real commitment to Punjab. Kejriwal is treating Punjab like his fiefdom, and Bhagwant Mann is nothing but a showpiece CM,” Badal remarked.

Implications for AAP in Punjab

The controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s alleged interference in Punjab could have significant political ramifications for AAP. While the party remains popular due to its welfare schemes and anti-corruption image, internal conflicts and external attacks could dent its credibility.

1. Impact on AAP’s Internal Stability: If the perception grows that Mann is merely a figurehead, it could create resentment among AAP’s Punjab leaders. Any internal dissent could weaken the party’s hold in the state.
2. Electoral Fallout: With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaching, the opposition could use this issue to question AAP’s governance model. AAP needs to ensure that Mann is seen as a strong and independent leader to maintain voter confidence.
3. BJP’s Strategy in Punjab: The BJP, which has been struggling to gain a foothold in Punjab post its split with Akali Dal, is trying to position itself as the main challenger to AAP. By targeting Kejriwal’s influence, it aims to project AAP as an outsider force that does not understand Punjab’s unique challenges.

The allegations made by BJP’s Manjinder Singh Sirsa have added a new dimension to Punjab’s political discourse. Whether there is any truth to the claims or whether it is just another political maneuver remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—AAP will have to carefully navigate this controversy to maintain its credibility in Punjab.

Kejriwal’s leadership style, which relies heavily on centralized decision-making, has worked well in Delhi, but Punjab presents a different challenge. How AAP manages the growing perception that Punjab is being run from Delhi will determine its future political fortunes in the state.

For now, all eyes are on Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal—whether they can dispel these allegations or whether this controversy will further fuel doubts about AAP’s governance in Punjab.