After Delhi rout, Kejriwal calls meeting of Punjab CM, leaders

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to meet Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, ministers, and party MLAs in Delhi on Tuesday amid talk of growing internal dissension in the party's state unit, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

- HT Correspondents

CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to meet Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, ministers, and party MLAs in Delhi on Tuesday amid talk of growing internal dissension in the party's state unit, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The meeting comes in the wake of the AAP's crushing defeat in the Delhi assembly elections and party insiders said the ministers and MLAs have been called by Kejriwal to discuss the polls and take their feedback as the leaders had campaigned extensively for party candidates in the national capital. The discussions will focus on analysing the Delhi election results and strategising for the Punjab polls scheduled in early 2027, they said. Over 200 party leaders, including Mann, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, and state unit office-bearers, had camped in Delhi for weeks to campaign for the AAP.

Tuesday's meeting has also gained significance amid reports of dissatisfaction within a section of the AAP's Punjab unit regarding the government's working style and its perception at the grassroots level.

"The central leadership needs to streamline functioning to set things right before it is too late. There is no set agenda, but he (Kejriwal) may set a road map for ministers and legislators in tomorrow's meeting," said a senior party leader.

"There is a meeting where everyone involved in the Delhi elections from Punjab, including CM Bhagwant Mann and other MLAs, will participate. We are analyzing our shortcomings," the party said in a statement.

The BJP alleged that the meeting was part of a plan by Kejriwal to oust Mann and become chief minister of Punjab.