AMRITSAR: Is Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal using his Vipassana meditation retreat in Punjab as a strategy session to reclaim the party’s stronghold in the state after the Delhi debacle? Or are these merely rumors spread by opposition leaders, as dismissed by AAP spokespersons?
Senior AAP sources speculate that a party reshuffle could be on the horizon, following extensive meetings with senior leaders and strategists. They believe an organizational rejig may soon be announced, with a strategic focus on the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, as the party will have to contest without the strong wave of support that helped them win in 2022.
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Political analyst Purshotam Singh suggested that AAP MLAs previously sidelined or demoted could be brought back into key roles to prevent possible defections. “The AAP government, which came to power promising a clean and corruption-free administration, has largely failed to deliver on its promises, aside from offering freebies like 300 units of electricity. The leadership may now attempt damage control by re-engaging with discontented members,” he said.
An AAP MLA, speaking anonymously, expressed confusion over Kejriwal’s decision to undergo Vipassana meditation right after the Delhi electoral setback. He noted that the AAP’s only remaining government is in Punjab, making it the top priority for Kejriwal and party strategists. He confirmed that several Punjab AAP leaders have met Kejriwal to discuss the party’s roadmap for the state.
However, AAP spokesperson Shashivir Sharma dismissed the claims of Kejriwal holding meetings during Vipassana. “This is not the first time he has attended Vipassana meditation. The opposition is making unnecessary noise about his visit because they have no positive or development-oriented agenda, other than criticizing Kejriwal and the AAP government in Punjab,” he said.
