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AAP’s Ludhiana win fuels Rajya Sabha buzz in Party

June 29, 2025, 4:29 am

The victory has intensified speculation surrounding Kejriwal’s next move.
However, Kejriwal dismissed immediate plans to enter the Rajya Sabha.

NEW DELHI: With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) successfully retaining the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in a tightly contested byelection, the party has not only reinforced its political stronghold in Punjab but also sparked fresh speculation over former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s potential entry into the Rajya Sabha. If Kejriwal opts out, many believe former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is the most likely candidate to be nominated to the Upper House.
The victory—achieved against a formidable challenge from the Congress—is being widely interpreted as a strategic step toward reviving Kejriwal’s national political career amidst ongoing legal and political hurdles.
AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, who resigned from the Upper House earlier this year, contested and won the byelection by defeating senior Congress leader and two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu by a margin of 10,637 votes. Arora’s return to the Punjab Assembly is seen as a calculated move to vacate a Rajya Sabha seat, potentially paving the way for Kejriwal’s elevation to Parliament’s Upper House.
The victory has intensified speculation surrounding Kejriwal’s next move.
Though he remains the top contender for the vacant seat, Kejriwal dismissed immediate plans to enter the Rajya Sabha, stating at a press conference, “Kejriwal is not going to the Rajya Sabha. The party’s Political Affairs Committee will take a call on this issue.”
Meanwhile, a source within the party told The Sunday Guardian that following Kejriwal’s announcement, if the AAP supremo decides not to enter the Upper House, Sisodia’s name is likely to be put forward. The source added that there are strong chances the party will nominate Sisodia for the Rajya Sabha seat.
Nevertheless, many political analysts believe the entire sequence—from Arora’s resignation to the byelection win—has been a deliberate strategy to create a political route for Kejriwal or Sisodia’s return. This follows a turbulent phase in Kejriwal’s career, marked by his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case, which led to his resignation as Delhi’s Chief Minister in September last year. Atishi, a senior party leader, was appointed in his place.
Earlier, Kejriwal had said he would only return to leadership with a “clean chit from the people.” However, AAP suffered a major blow in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, where it lost power to the BJP after three consecutive terms. In a personal setback, Kejriwal also lost his own Assembly seat to BJP leader Parvesh Verma. Despite this, the Ludhiana West win and AAP’s comfortable majority in the Punjab Assembly provide a strong foundation for nominating a Rajya Sabha member—keeping Kejriwal at the centre of speculation.
According to political observers, securing a Rajya Sabha seat could help Kejriwal or Sisodia remain a relevant national voice while potentially offering parliamentary protection as they face continued legal scrutiny. The move could also help AAP stabilise its leadership, regain political momentum, and expand its reach beyond its traditional strongholds.
“This byelection win is more than a routine electoral victory—it’s a calculated political manoeuvre,” said a senior political analyst.
Though Kejriwal hasn’t confirmed stepping into the Rajya Sabha, the seat is widely seen as being reserved for a key political move. For now, AAP is treating the Ludhiana West win as an endorsement of its governance.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann called the victory a sign of public trust in AAP and Kejriwal’s leadership. As the party’s Political Affairs Committee weighs its next step, all eyes remain on whether Kejriwal will re-enter Parliament and reshape the opposition landscape.

Allies start drifting away from I.N.D.I.A bloc

June 8, 2025, 1:51 am

Kolkata: The I.N.D.I.A bloc, once projected as a formidable challenge to the BJP-led NDA government, is now rapidly disintegrating. With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) declaring its decision to contest the upcoming Bihar elections independently, the fragile unity of the opposition bloc has begun to unravel.

Despite receiving open support from the RJD in the Delhi elections, AAP has announced it will contest all seats in Bihar, revealing a clear intent to damage the Congress electorally. AAP blames Congress for its defeat in Delhi and alleges that the party deliberately targeted Muslim-majority constituencies to undercut AAP’s performance. In retaliation, AAP’s new strategy is to ensure Congress’s defeat wherever possible — not necessarily to win, but to divide votes and weaken it strategically.

While AAP has little electoral base in Bihar, its objective is to erode Congress’s support. Simultaneously, AAP has begun strengthening its presence in states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Goa, signalling a broader shift away from a collective opposition strategy.

Following suit, doubts are growing over the NCP (SP)’s long-term commitment to the I.N.D.I.A bloc. The party’s refusal to support the opposition’s demand for a Lok Sabha debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ has raised clear signs of a possible future split. The very survival of the I.N.D.I.A bloc now hinges on the outcome of the upcoming Bihar elections. A defeat could prompt the Samajwadi Party and other regional players to chart their own course in Uttar Pradesh.

In states like Kerala and West Bengal, Congress already faces existential challenges. In Bengal, the contest is now directly between the TMC and BJP — with Congress virtually absent. In Kerala, the traditional two-front politics is shifting. Congress has been out of power for a decade, lacks senior leadership, and Rahul Gandhi’s reliance on a completely new team has sidelined experienced politicians. The party’s internal dissent became glaring post-Operation Sindoor, especially with MP Shashi Tharoor openly criticising the party line and appearing to align with the ruling government.

The BJP, on its part, is determined to block a Congress comeback in Kerala for the third consecutive term. All eyes are on the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a crucial Congress ally in the state. The IUML could reconsider its association, seeing the weakening position of Congress at the Centre — a potential move that would deal a heavy blow to the party.

In Kerala’s Neelambur by-election, a constituency under Priyanka Gandhi’s Wayanad seat, the TMC’s entry has further muddied the waters for Congress. Former Congress MLA P.V. Anwar is now contesting under the TMC banner, turning the seat into a multi-cornered contest. If Congress loses the June 19 vote, it will be a major embarrassment and a further sign of the party’s shrinking ground.

TMC is already preparing to contest aggressively in next year’s Kerala Assembly elections — another bad omen for Congress. In Bengal, the TMC has already sidelined Congress, leaving BJP as its primary opponent. The BJP’s previous success in winning over 70 seats in Bengal, and the active focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the state, signal a continued squeeze on Congress’s relevance there.

Just a year ago, the I.N.D.I.A bloc appeared poised to destabilise the NDA government. But internal fractures became evident during the Speaker and Deputy Speaker elections, with the TMC defying Congress’s strategy. The alliance never managed to agree on a PM face for 2024. Despite high hopes, Congress’s missteps in state elections — losses in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi — pulled the alliance back into crisis mode.

These setbacks shattered the alliance’s momentum. Within six months, meetings stopped, coordination failed, and enthusiasm vanished. Operation Sindoor further exposed the alliance’s vulnerabilities. Now, even the joint demand for a special Parliament session has failed to unite the bloc.

Key allies like AAP, NCP (SP), the Left, TMC, and possibly the SP and Shiv Sena (UBT) are already drifting away. The National Conference has effectively exited. Most partners are disillusioned. A defeat in Bihar could collapse the Mahagathbandhan and put RJD’s survival at risk too. The I.N.D.I.A bloc, once full of promise, now teeters on the edge of collapse — its unity undermined, its leadership questioned, and its future bleak.

Punjabi Actress Sonia Mann Joins AAP with Arvind Kejriwal

February 23, 2025, 4:52 pm

The popular Punjabi actress and daughter of the late Kirti Kisan Union leader Baldev Singh, has joined the Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of the party’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday.

The transition from a glittering career in the cinema world into the political realm was officially made public by the AAP’s social media handle. The joining has been viewed politically as of great significance as preparations are started for the elections of the assembly in Punjab in 2027.

Post of Aam Aadmi Party

The Aam Aadmi Party Punjab unit has posted on X, “The daughter of Kirti Kisan Union leader S. Baldev Singh Ji and Punjabi actress Sonia Mann joined the Aam Aadmi Party under the aegis of National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. She is very welcome in the Aam Aadmi Party family.”

ਕਿਰਤੀ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਯੂਨੀਅਨ ਦੇ ਆਗੂ ਸ. ਬਲਦੇਵ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਧੀ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਦਾਕਾਰਾ ਸੋਨੀਆ ਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਕੌਮੀ ਕਨਵੀਨਰ @ArvindKejriwal ਜੀ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਹੇਠ ਆਮ ਆਦਮੀ ਪਾਰਟੀ ‘ਚ ਸ਼ਮੂਲੀਅਤ ਕੀਤੀ। ਆਮ ਆਦਮੀ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ‘ਚ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ। pic.twitter.com/K6uGEOtucJ

— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 23, 2025

Cinema to Politics

Sonia Mann worked in various film industries: Punjabi, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Marathi cinema. She debuted in cinema with a Malayalam film, ‘Hide-n-Seek’. In 2014, she enter in Bollywood with ‘Kahin Hai Mera Pyar’ film. In 2018, she collaborated with the late singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Sonia has worked on films like ‘Motor Mitraan Di’ film and ’25 Kille’. Mann follows through on her father’s political legacy. A well-known farmer leader, Baldev Singh, was killed by Khalistani militants in the 1980s.

By joining AAP, Sonia Mann symbolizes a seismic shift in the political terrain of Punjab, along with that of younger and cultural figures beginning to align with AAP. Sonia Mann joining AAP would further consolidate AAP’s focus on Punjab, especially about the upcoming state elections in 2027.

AAP leader’s wife killed in armed robbery in Punjab

February 17, 2025, 1:57 am

In a shocking incident, Lipsi Mittal, wife of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and businessman Anokh Mittal, was brutally murdered by armed robbers late Saturday night. The attack took place while the couple was returning home from a dinner in Dehlo.

According to police, five armed assailants intercepted the Mittals’ vehicle near village Rurka, close to the Sidhwan Canal bridge. The attackers, carrying sharp-edged weapons, launched a violent assault on the couple. While Anokh Mittal attempted to resist, he was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment at DMC Hospital.
Lipsi Mittal did not survive the attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. The robbers fled the spot with the couple’s car and other belongings.

Police have launched an investigation and assured strict action against those responsible. “We are probing the case from all angles,” said a senior police official. Anokh Mittal, a well-known businessman, joined AAP about four months ago after being inducted by MLA Ashok Parashar Pappi.

His association with the party had brought the Mittals into focus in both political and business circles.

Delhi Police Busts ‘Punjab Govt’ Car with Liquor, Cash & AAP Pamphlets: BJP Reacts! | WATCH

January 30, 2025, 6:18 am

Delhi Police registered a case late Wednesday after discovering a vehicle labeled “Punjab Government” near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. Upon inspection, authorities found cash, liquor, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pamphlets inside the vehicle.

Flying Squad Intercepts Suspicious Vehicle

The Flying Squad, responsible for addressing Model Code of Conduct violations, intercepted the car with a Punjab number plate in New Delhi district. The team investigates election-related complaints, including voter bribery, illicit funds, and illegal distribution of liquor. According to police officials, legal proceedings have been initiated, and a case has been filed at Tilak Marg police station.

Punjab Government Denies Ownership

Contrary to initial assumptions, the Punjab Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) clarified that the vehicle does not belong to the Punjab government. It was registered under Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri, a former officer at the Army Dental College in Pathankot. Furthermore, discrepancies were found in the vehicle registration, as the seized Hyundai Creta’s number plate belonged to a Ford EcoSport registered in 2018. Authorities confirmed that the number plate was fake.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

#WATCH | Today information was received that one suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and ‘Punjab Sarkar’ written on it is standing near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. On searching, a huge amount of cash, many liquor bottles and pamphlets of Aam Aadmi Party were… pic.twitter.com/oLmLYrk8mL

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

BJP Slams AAP, Calls for Probe

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva reacted sharply, claiming ₹10 lakh in cash, liquor bottles, and AAP campaign materials were recovered from the vehicle. He accused AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal of corrupt practices, stating, “First, it was liquor, now money. Kejriwal is losing Delhi elections and is resorting to bribery.”

BJP candidate from Malviya Nagar, Satish Upadhyay, also criticized AAP, alleging that the party aims to buy votes with liquor. Similarly, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal called the incident an exposure of AAP’s “corrupt foundation built on scams and deceit.”

AAP Dismisses Allegations as ‘Hilarious’

AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar refuted the accusations, calling them baseless. She emphasised that the Punjab government had already clarified the vehicle’s forged registration. “The car never entered Punjab Bhavan, and its registered owner is from BJP-ruled Maharashtra, not Delhi,” she said, asserting that BJP is trying to deflect its impending electoral defeat.

High Stakes Before Delhi Elections

The controversy has added to the charged political atmosphere ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections. With counting scheduled for February 8, political tensions continue to rise as both parties trade accusations.

Delhi Election Drama: BJP Attacks Kejriwal With ‘Mogambo’ Poster, AAP Hits Back With Roast Video | WATCH

January 13, 2025, 12:27 pm

Political Tug-of-War Intensifies As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, political parties have stepped up their campaigns with fierce attacks and counter-attacks. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have been engaging in a highly charged battle of posters and videos that has dominated the political landscape. Recently, BJP launched a scathing poster against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while AAP retaliated with a sharp spoof video.

BJP’s ‘Mogambo’ Poster Targets Kejriwal

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), BJP mocked Arvind Kejriwal by referring to him as ‘Mogambo,’ a famous villain character from Bollywood. The BJP’s message was aimed at portraying Kejriwal as anti-Purvanchal and accusing him of opposing people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The post, written in Hindi, stated, “AAP ka purvanchal virodhi chehra poore desh ke saamne benkaab ho chuka hai! Dilli mein reh rahe UP-Bihar ke log Arvind Kejriwal ke liye farji. Lekin Rohingya aur Bangladeshi ghuspaithiye inke yaar?” The BJP further accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, suggesting that he supports Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants while targeting the people of Purvanchal.

AAP’s Retaliation: Spoof Video Mocking BJP

In response to BJP’s poster, AAP launched a spoof video mocking the BJP and Kejriwal’s opponents. The video featured a fictional conversation between Arvind Kejriwal and Union Minister Amit Shah. In a humorous twist, Kejriwal was depicted as confident about AAP’s impending victory in Delhi, while the BJP was portrayed as having no strong contender for the elections. The spoof claimed that BJP would fail to win any seats in Delhi, further intensifying the rivalry.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

दिल्ली में हार सामने देख,
BJP के हाथ-पैर फूले ?? pic.twitter.com/01RxORlkIx

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 13, 2025

Escalating the “Poster-Video War”

This back-and-forth between BJP and AAP has further fueled the ongoing “poster-video war” between the two parties. Each new release from both sides adds another layer to their already heated electoral battle. In another poster, BJP accused Kejriwal of being the mastermind behind the Rs 2,026 crore liquor scam, a charge AAP has consistently denied. BJP’s aggressive attack suggests that the liquor scam will be a major issue in the upcoming election.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE POST:

AAP का पूर्वांचल विरोधी चेहरा पूरे देश के सामने बेनक़ाब हो चुका है !

दिल्ली में रह रहे यूपी-बिहार के लोग अरविंद केजरीवाल के लिए फर्जी। लेकिन रोहिंग्या और बांग्लादेशी घुसपैठिये इनके यार? pic.twitter.com/xko2GAdLPL

— BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) January 13, 2025

AAP’s Counterattack on BJP’s Candidate

AAP also targeted BJP’s Kalkaji candidate, Ramesh Bidhuri, with a poster branding him as the “CM face of an abusive party.” The poster further added fuel to the political fire, mocking BJP’s choice of candidates as Delhi gears up for the upcoming polls.

Delhi Elections on the Horizon

With the Delhi Assembly elections set for February 5 and the vote counting scheduled for February 8, the political atmosphere is bound to heat up even more. Both BJP and AAP have ramped up their campaigns in a bid to secure the support of Delhi’s voters. The continued poster and video attacks highlight the intense competition between the two parties as they vie for political supremacy in Delhi.

As the election date nears, the campaign rhetoric is likely to intensify. With both BJP and AAP leaving no stone unturned, Delhi’s voters are in for a highly charged election period.

Kejriwal Attacks BJP’s ‘Hate’ For Delhi, Police Use Water Cannons On Purvanchal Voter | WATCH

January 10, 2025, 2:37 pm

Ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal launched a fiery attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of neglecting the capital and turning it into the “crime capital of India.”

Safety Concerns and Promises by AAP

Addressing a rally, Kejriwal highlighted the rising crime rates, including robberies, chain snatchings, and gang wars, claiming that Delhi has become increasingly unsafe, particularly for women. He alleged that BJP’s apathy and “hatred” towards Delhi have kept the party out of power in the city for 25 years.

To address safety concerns, Kejriwal proposed a plan where Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) would receive government funds to hire private security guards. He clarified that this initiative is not intended to replace the police force but to complement it.

WATCH:

? BJP is in AGGRESSIVE mode.

BJP workers holds massive protests outside Kejriwal’s residence over his statement on ‘Purvanchali’ voters ?

Police use water cannon to disperse BJP workers. pic.twitter.com/wkSARZCdoA

— Megh Updates ?™ (@MeghUpdates) January 10, 2025

Criticism of BJP’s Election Tactics

Kejriwal further accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics, particularly targeting Purvanchali voters under the pretext of Rohingya issues. “The BJP hates the people of Delhi. Due to their hatred, they have not returned to power in the last 25 years,” he alleged.

He also referred to BJP as a “dharna party,” criticising their protests and voter manipulation tactics.

Protests Outside Kejriwal’s Residence

In response to Kejriwal’s remarks, BJP workers staged a protest outside his residence on Feroze Shah Road. The protest escalated, with some demonstrators attempting to breach security barricades. The police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd.

The Delhi BJP accused AAP of making “fake” claims about voter registration irregularities involving people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Kejriwal’s Allegations of Voter Manipulation

Kejriwal also accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls in his New Delhi constituency. He claimed that 13,000 new voter registrations were added between December 15 and January 8, many allegedly involving individuals brought in from neighboring states.

“This manipulation undermines the election process,” Kejriwal said after filing a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India.

Election Timeline

The 70-member Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8, following the counting of votes.

Kejriwal labels Delhi as the “crime capital” under BJP’s governance.
AAP promises enhanced safety through RWAs and private security funding.
BJP protests against AAP, accusing it of false claims about voter registration.
Delhi elections to determine the city’s governance for the next term.

AAP Releases Final Candidate List; Gopal Rai Confident of Voter Support for Babarpur in Delhi Assembly Elections

December 15, 2024, 7:19 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai expressed gratitude and confidence after being nominated again from Babarpur for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Speaking on Sunday, Rai stated, “I thank the party for nominating me again from Babarpur. I have faith that the people of Babarpur will give me the same mandate as last time… Last time, we replaced 22 candidates; this time, the number is much lower.”

Rai’s remarks came after AAP released its fourth and final list of 38 candidates for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025. The list features prominent party figures, including national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal contesting from New Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi from Kalkaji, and Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj from Greater Kailash.

In addition to Gopal Rai, other candidates include Satyendra Kumar Jain from Shakur Basti, Durgesh Pathak from Rajinder Nagar, Ramesh Pehalwan from Kasturba Nagar, Raghuvinder Shokeen from Nangloi Jat, Som Dutt from Sadar Bazar, Imran Hussain from Ballimaran, and Jarnail Singh from Tilak Nagar. The list includes two new names, while the remaining 36 candidates are sitting MLAs who have been re-nominated.

Notably, Ramesh Pehalwan, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, and his wife Kusumlata Ramesh joined AAP on Sunday, receiving a warm welcome from Arvind Kejriwal.

Earlier, AAP released its third list of candidates, which included Tarun Yadav contesting from Najafgarh. The second list, released on December 9, saw the party drop 17 sitting MLAs, introducing new faces, although three familiar names—Manish Sisodia, Rakhi Birla, and Deepu Chaudhary—were re-nominated.

The Congress party, which previously ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has struggled in the last two assembly elections, failing to secure a single seat. In the 2020 assembly elections, AAP achieved a significant victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured eight.

Punjab Farmers Accuse CM Bhagwant Mann Aligning With Centre To Supress Protests

December 8, 2024, 7:28 pm

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, of covertly aligning with the central government to suppress farmers’ voices. He questioned the state’s actions in restricting media coverage, despite professing support for farmers and laborers. Pandher demanded explanations from both Chief Minister Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, stating, “We used to say that Bhagwant Mann government is having some sort of alliance with the central government. Today, the way media is being stopped, the CM and Arvind Kejriwal should come forward and explain this.”

These remarks come amid ongoing farmer protests at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, where demonstrators are advocating for various demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers would march towards Delhi at noon, intensifying the protest.

In response to the planned march, Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nanak Singh, issued a memorandum advising media personnel to avoid interfering in farmers’ matters. The memorandum cited a specific incident on December 6, 2024, that violated statutory provisions and urged journalists to maintain a safe distance while performing their duties. SSP Singh clarified, “Media has not been stopped. We have no such intentions. But, it was needed to brief the media. Last time we came to know that three to four media people were injured. To avoid that we briefed the media.”

The farmers’ agitation has been ongoing since February 13, 2024, when their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was halted at the Shambhu border. The protesters have been steadfast in their demands, which include securing legal assurance for MSP and complete loan forgiveness for all farmers.

Also read: Western Disturbance Brings Rain to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana; Cold Wave to Follow: IMD

The situation remains tense as farmers prepare to escalate their protests, seeking urgent dialogue with the central government to address their longstanding issues.

AAP AIMS FOR THE HAT-TRICK

November 23, 2024, 4:56 am

Aiming for a hattrick in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party has made its intentions clear by declaring its first list of nominees for the Assembly polls, thus sending a clear signal to its opponents that it was fully prepared to take them on. The first AAP list has mostly the names of those who joined the party and were being fielded against their former colleagues. There is a two-fold objective behind this early declaration, the first being that the AAP is conscious of the BJP’s Operation Lotus plans and thus has shielded its top leaders while giving tickets to new entrants, who have no other place to go. It is most unlikely that anyone of the nominees shall defect to any other party at this stage, and the list includes the son of former Congress strongman, Chaudhury Matin, who shall be the AAP candidate from Seelampur, a pre-dominant Muslim seat. Most political pundits had believed that the minority dominated seats would be won by the Congress since going by the voting pattern of the Parliamentary elections, the Muslims had voted for the grand old party. However, by inducting Matin’s son, the AAP is now going to be a serious challenger and could even win.

The Muslims by and large have been of the view that it was important to beat the Saffron brigade and whichever party was most suitable in achieving this objective, they would support it. Although things have changed over the past few months, the Muslim votes cannot be taken for granted by anyone, particularly the Congress whose Delhi president Devendra Yadav seems busy with his padyatras rather than focusing on the strategy. The Congress should have ensured that defections to AAP should have been prevented. It is a costly mistake which would influence the outcome, if strong remedial measures are not taken on time. The AAP has been wary of BJP’s designs, after Kailash Gehlot, a minister in the city government recently resigned from the party and joined the BJP, the following day. This kind of activity concerning other key leaders is also not ruled out, and therefore, the AAP leadership has to be extremely cautious from now onwards. The BJP has expressed surprise that the AAP list does not include the names of known leaders including Chief Minister Atishi Singh and some others. The exclusion of sure shot names has given rise to speculation that some of the top functionaries of the party could be changing their constituencies. For instance, Atishi had won by a small margin from Kalkaji in 2020 and needs to win big to send a message across the parties. Manish Sisodia, is a key player in AAP and may find the going tough in Patparganj where the BJP is quite strong. There is no such issue with Arvind Kejriwal who shall represent the New Delhi seat and is likely to sail home comfortably. However, there is a question mark over the winnability of some other leaders and the party shall have to take a view on the seats which would be most suitable for them. While the general opinion is that the AAP was in a pole position to once again form the government, notwithstanding the scams that have rocked its government and impacted its image, it is to be seen whether it can repeat its outstanding performances during the past two elections.

The AAP may lose seats and its tally could come down, particularly since the BJP is all geared up to take the AAP on in order to overcome the jinx of defeats since its victory in 1993. The Congress which had collapsed after it supported Arvind Kejriwal during his brief stint as the CM in 2013, is also hoping to bounce back and open its tally which was nil both in 2015 and 2020. In the triangular contest that is likely to take place, the AAP’s chances would be dependent on the performance of the Congress. If the Congress is not able to catch the imagination of the people, it would help AAP win easily. However, if the Congress does well, the BJP shall be the ultimate gainer. Unfortunately for the BJP, there is no clear face who can be projected for the Chief Ministership. There are many leaders, but no one is charismatic enough and who can take on the AAP challenge head on. Same is the case with the Congress which has tired functionaries seeking tickets for either themselves or their sons or daughters. The current party chief is working hard but the party may have to think clearly on whether he can be projected as the CM face. Congress treasurer Ajay Maken, is from a known political family and could have been the face. However, he is the treasurer and now has his ambitions nationally rather than in Delhi. In the BJP, it would have been a good idea to showcase Arvinder Singh Lovely, who had defected from the Congress to the Saffron Brigade during the parliamentary elections. But he is a reluctant participant in day to day activities and has been maintaining a low profile. Lovely is a Punjabi face who can click with both Hindus and Sikhs. It is a complex situation that has emerged and the contest is likely to be fought on the issue of statehood of Delhi, a demand supported by the BJP earlier and could be the main plank of the AAP. The question would be on whether the elected representatives should be subservient to those who are appointees of the central government. The elections are eagerly awaited.

Kejriwal Launches Welfare Schemes Ahead of Delhi Assembly Elections, ‘Rewri Par Charcha’ Campaign

November 22, 2024, 5:53 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal launched the ‘Rewrii Par Charcha’ campaign on Friday, aiming to highlight the party’s welfare initiatives ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February next year. The campaign’s name references the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) criticism of AAP’s free services, termed “revdis” (freebies).

Kejriwal announced that AAP’s district and booth-level office bearers will conduct 65,000 meetings to engage voters and distribute pamphlets detailing the free facilities provided by the AAP government. These services include free electricity, water, education, treatment at mohalla clinics, bus travel for women, a pilgrimage scheme for the elderly, and a monthly ₹1,000 assistance for women.

Addressing the BJP‘s critique, Kejriwal stated, “The BJP is in power in 20 states and not even in a single state do they provide any of these free ‘revdis’. This is because they don’t have the intention. Only AAP knows how to provide these facilities.” He further accused the BJP of obstructing his government’s initiatives.

Kejriwal also criticized Union Ministers Amit Shah and Hardeep Puri for allegedly making false promises to the Purvanchali community during the last elections. He claimed, “They promised proper registrations for unauthorised colonies but haven’t completed even one in five years. In contrast, we’ve given dignity to the lives of Purvanchal residents.”

In preparation for the upcoming elections, AAP has announced 11 candidates:

Brahma Singh Tanwar for Chhatarpur
Anil Jha for Kiradi
Deepak Singhla for Vishwas Nagar
Sarita Singh for Rohtas Nagar
B.B. Tyagi for Laxmi Nagar
Ram Singh Netaji for Badarpur
Zubair Chaudhary for Seelampur
Veer Singh Dhingan for Seemapuri
Gaurav Sharma for Ghonda
Manoj Tyagi for Karawal Nagar
Somesh Shaukeen for Matiala
Notably, six of these candidates are former members of the BJP and Congress.

This announcement follows the recent defection of former Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot to the BJP. Gahlot joined the BJP in the presence of Union Ministers M.L. Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, with Khattar describing the induction as a “turning point,” especially ahead of the February elections.

Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot Resigns from Aam Aadmi Party

November 17, 2024, 12:40 pm

Kailash Gahlot, a prominent minister in the Delhi government, has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

All Delhi Excise Scam Accused Released As Bizman Dhall Granted Bail

October 26, 2024, 5:55 am

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to businessman Amandeep Singh Dhall, marking the release of the last person held in the Delhi excise policy case. This high-profile investigation previously saw key Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, jailed for months.

Prolonged Incarcerations Questioned by Apex Court

The Supreme Court’s bail order noted that Dhall’s continued detention would not serve any judicial purpose, especially as the trial with over 300 witnesses is yet to commence. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had granted Dhall bail in a related money laundering case. The court emphasized, “Bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” reaffirming the principle of liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

High-Profile Arrests and Political Ramifications

Among those previously detained were Kejriwal, arrested in a dramatic raid in March and later released by the Supreme Court in September; former Deputy CM Sisodia, who spent 17 months in jail before securing bail in August; and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, released after six months. The case also saw arrests of prominent politicians like BRS leader K Kavitha and key business figures connected to the excise policy.

AAP’s Vindication vs. BJP’s Criticism

While the AAP hails the bail orders as vindication of their stance, the BJP labels them procedural, asserting they are not proof of innocence. BJP leaders argue the case has highlighted misuse of power, while AAP defends that no evidence of bribery or money trails was established in court.

Policy Scrapped Amid Accusations of Corruption

The excise policy, introduced in 2021 to streamline Delhi’s alcohol industry, was rolled back following allegations of bribery in its implementation. Authorities accused involved parties of amassing over ₹300 crore by allegedly altering rules to favor certain vendors.

Supreme Court’s Stance on Fundamental Rights

The court’s rulings on bail reiterated that prolonged detentions without trial impede the right to personal liberty, emphasizing that “Bail should not be withheld as a form of punishment.” Highlighting Dhall’s 18-month detention, the court observed the burden of a lengthy trial with over 300 witnesses, indicating such extensive witness lists could delay justice.

The Last Chapter in a Lengthy Saga

With Dhall’s release, no individual remains incarcerated in connection with the now-defunct excise policy case, which has had significant political impact. The court’s focus on liberty over prolonged incarceration under Article 21 concludes a series of bail approvals, sparking discourse on the scope of stringent laws and their misuse in prolonged pre-trial detentions.

AAP to contest all Haryana elections independently in future: Gupta

October 14, 2024, 3:28 am

In a sharp critique of the Congress party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Haryana in-charge Sushil Gupta accused the Congress of missing a crucial opportunity to form an alliance in the state, which could have altered the political landscape. Speaking at a party meeting in Haryana called to discuss the poll results, Gupta stated that had there been a coalition in the recent elections, a joint government could have been formed, significantly limiting the BJP’s success.

According to Gupta, if AAP and Congress had contested together, the alliance could have secured up to 60 seats in the assembly, leaving the BJP with only 30. He indirectly took aim at Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, criticizing the party’s overconfidence and unwillingness to collaborate, saying, “Excessive arrogance and enthusiasm can be harmful.”
The meeting, held to analyze AAP’s performance in the state elections, saw party members reviewing the reasons for their defeat and strategizing for future elections. Gupta emphasized that AAP will now contest all upcoming elections in Haryana, including the Panchayat, Municipal Council, and Corporation elections, on its own.

In a move to solidify AAP’s organizational structure in Haryana, Gupta announced plans to strengthen the party across the state. He met with candidates from constituencies under the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh and Rohtak Lok Sabha regions, as well as state-level office bearers, to discuss the way forward for the upcoming assembly elections. Party members pledged to build a stronger AAP presence in Haryana by participating in local elections and intensifying efforts at the grassroots level.

“We will ensure that AAP becomes a formidable force in Haryana politics,” Gupta said, expressing confidence in the party’s potential to succeed in future elections.
The Aam Aadmi Party’s commitment to contesting all future elections independently underscores its determination to establish a solid foothold in Haryana’s political landscape. He said that during the meetings the party members vowed to work hard in upcoming Block, Municipal Corporation, and Municipal Council elections, aiming to create a strong organizational base across the state.

The decision not to form an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also proved costly. Analysts suggest that had Congress allied with AAP, the party could have won several additional seats if the alliance was formed. In Assandh, Congress candidate Shamsher Gogi lost by a slim margin of 2,306 votes to BJP’s Yoginder Rana, while AAP candidate Amandeep Jundla captured 4,290 votes, which could have changed the result. In Dabwali, Congress’s Amit Sihag lost by only 610 votes to BJP’s Aditya Devilal, while AAP’s Kuldeep Singh Gadrana received 6,606 votes. Though AAP once again failed to open its account in Haryana, its candidates received a total of 1.79% of the votes, enough to affect the outcomes in multiple constituencies.

SAD Files 25 Petitions Alleging Electoral Malpractices in Panchayat Elections”

October 9, 2024, 3:50 am

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today announced that it had filed twenty five petitions against gross malpractices in the panchayat elections by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers and legislators as well as government officials and disclosed that another thirty odd petitions would be filed tomorrow to demand justice for SAD workers who had been denied an opportunity to contest the elections.

Disclosing this, senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said hundreds of aggrieved persons who had been unfairly ousted from the panchayat election process had approached the SAD’s legal team during the last two days. “We have been compiling a list of complaints and sending them to the State Election Commission since last week. However as the issues remain addressed we have decided to file petitions in the high court”.

Asserting that the ruling AAP dispensation had murdered democracy, Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said “today we received complaints that the nomination papers of as many as 25 Sarpanches had been rejected in Gidderbaha as they were not included in the revised lists. The surprising thing is that all the nomination papers of all these Sarpanches were in order and their papers had been cleared after due scrutiny. However, now their names have been omitted in the final list”.

Dr Cheema said even today people brought receipts which were issued to them when they filed their nomination papers with the Returning Officers. “Now the Returning Officers do not have any account of their nominations. This amounts to tampering with the papers and perpetrating a fraud against the applicants. We have approached the State Election Commission to take appropriate action in the matter”.

The SAD leader also disclosed that there was a palpable fear in the minds of applicants and many of those whose nomination papers had been rejected unfairly had not registered any formal protest.

“This is because these applicants have been threatened by AAP leaders and the applicants fear they may be embroiled in false cases in case they make any formal complaint. There are also complaints of gangsters and goons influencing the elections in some places”, he added.

Dr Cheema said the SAD had also reminded the SEC to take appropriate action against all complaints submitted by the party including the incident at Dharamkot where SAD workers were prevented from filing their nominations en masse. He said the party had also demanded that the process of scrutiny be made public so that its transparency could be evaluated.

“We have also demanded that senior officers be deputed as Observers across the State and the entire election process is videographed at the booth level”.

JP Nadda Slams AAP For Losing All Seats In Haryana Election

October 8, 2024, 10:30 pm

In the recent Haryana elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a humiliating defeat, losing deposits on all 90 seats. BJP president JP Nadda didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling AAP ‘kattar beiman’ or thoroughly corrupt.

Nadda’s Mocking Remarks

Jagat Prakash Nadda:
“Delhi’s ‘Kattar Beiman Party’ also fought Haryana Assembly election & LOST DEPOSIT on all 90 seats.”??

~ Attacks on AAP will increase as elections get nearer. pic.twitter.com/STNhV4hwS1

— The Analyzer (News Updates?️) (@Indian_Analyzer) October 8, 2024

Speaking at the BJP national headquarters in Delhi, Nadda stated, “They contested all 90 seats, but their performance was so bad that they lost deposits on all.” His remarks highlight the significant gap between AAP’s promises and its actual performance.

AAP’s Diminished Image

The AAP, which rose from an anti-corruption movement, once positioned itself as ‘kattar imandaar’ (thoroughly honest). However, recent corruption allegations against its leaders, including national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, have tarnished its image.

Kejriwal’s Campaign Efforts

Kejriwal, who hails from Haryana, campaigned under the banner of ‘Haryana ka lal’ (Haryana’s son) but faced significant challenges. The party’s decision to field candidates in all 90 seats came after unsuccessful talks with Congress for an alliance.

AAP’s Vote Share Decline

Despite the efforts, AAP garnered only 1.79% of the vote share, according to the Election Commission. The elections were held on October 5, and counting took place on Tuesday.

BJP’s Unexpected Victory

In a surprising turn, the BJP defied exit polls that predicted a sweeping victory for the Congress party. The BJP secured 48 seats with nearly 40% of the votes, while Congress won 37 seats. This marked the BJP’s third consecutive term in Haryana, showcasing its continued popularity in the region despite a decade of anti-incumbency sentiment.

BJP Blames AAP Leaders For Poor Roads

October 1, 2024, 3:55 am

The Delhi unit of BJP has blamed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the poor condition of Delhi’s roads. The opposition party criticised AAP for neglecting road maintenance for the past decade and accused the party of suddenly promising to fix potholes just.

According to Delhi BJP, the Public Works Department (PWD), responsible for maintaining roads, was for years under the control of Satyendra Jain, who is often described as the “most corrupt member” of the Kejriwal government. After Jain, Manish Sisodia took charge, and for the past year, the department has been under Atishi Marlena, who the BJP claims operates under the direction of Kejriwal and Sisodia.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, speaking to the media, said that Kejriwal, Jain, Sisodia and Marlena are primarily responsible for the city’s deteriorating roads. He expressed confidence that the people of Delhi would reject them in the upcoming assembly elections.

Sachdeva also pointed to corruption within the Delhi Jal Board and the PWD, particularly in their failure to clean drains and sewers, as a major contributor to road damage. This negligence, he said, leads to yearly waterlogging, further worsening road conditions and causing cave-ins across the city. Drawing a comparison to the poor road conditions during Lalu Yadav’s time in Bihar, the BJP asserted that despite any last-minute inspections or repairs by Atishi Marlena and her team, Delhi’s residents would not forgive them. Sachdeva warned that the Kejriwal government would be held accountable for its corruption and incompetence.

Atishi Uses Hindutva Card To Counter BJP

September 28, 2024, 1:49 am

In an obvious attempt to put the BJP on the defensive, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Singh has invoked the Ramayana while setting the narrative for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Soon after taking over, she decided to sit on a separate chair adjacent to the one occupied by Arvind Kejriwal in the CM office to send out a strong message to the cadres as well as the opponents. Atishi referred to Lord Rama’s 14 year exile to keep his father’s promise to one of his wives, and highlighted how during this period, Bharat his brother out of deep reverence for him, governed Ayodhya by placing his footwear on the throne, thus waiting for him to return and rule. The analogy in modern times may sound misplaced but Atishi by giving this illustration, tried to convey that she was there only as a stop gap arrangement, and her mentor Kejriwal would return once the polls were over, and after people brought back the AAP for the third consecutive time in the next elections. The Ramayana messaging was also aimed at the BJP and the Saffron Brigade which has been targeting her for the Leftist background of her parents, both activists of the Delhi university at one time. This way, she has made a conscious effort to distance herself from the Leftist leanings while embracing the pragmatic politics of AAP, as well as to appeal to the common man. The AAP’s popularity has been on the decline and after Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were all behind bars, there was no one to provide direction to the cadres. Atishi, did carry a big burden on her shoulders and acquitted herself pretty well as a minister. Now as the CM, the expectations from her are many times higher and therefore, she has to wear both the administrative hat as well be one of the prominent political faces of the party. Many political observers feel that by giving an impression that she was on the seat temporarily, she may have made a mistake. The bureaucracy which in any case, works under the command of the Lt. Governor would see her as an interim arrangement and may decline to listen to her. This indeed is a challenge since the CM has to be full time and not someone who is viewed as an adhoc position holder.

There is little doubt in anyone’s mind that Kejriwal is indeed the boss of the party but till he is cleared by a court of law, his getting back as the CM, could pose problems which have forced him to resign. On his part as well, he may want to now adopt the Congress model where Dr Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister, but the general perception remained that the power was vested in the then president Sonia Gandhi. The issues that arise are that Kejriwal and the AAP had entered the political arena with the objective of making the country “Congress mukt’’. If the party has to follow what the Congress did, it would show that there was no difference between the two. In fact, the AAP is a lot closer to the BJP in many ways politically than to the Congress.

It is not without a reason, that many of its critics describe it as the “B’’ team of the RSS. Atishi’s falling back on Ramayana would strengthen this belief and it may cost the AAP politically in terms of minority votes. In the political scenario that exists today, the Muslims which used to support AAP because in their perception, it was best suited to defeat the BJP in the capital, may move over to the Congress completely. Till now, they were divided, but now they would be with the Congress absolutely. In addition, the AAP has been irrational in dealing with its Dalit members; many of the seniors who were elected thrice find themselves on the sidelines while many juniors have been given plum positions.

The fallout could be that the Dalits too may choose to get back to the Congress. For record, it needs to be mentioned that Dalits, Muslims and Brahmins constituted the original Congress vote bank. Thus, after these communities started supporting other parties, the decline of the Congress commenced. The logical corollary is that if the AAP is unable to retain its Muslim and Dalit support, these communities may choose the Congress thus not only weakening Kejriwal but adding to the political muscle of the grand old party, which has been virtually marginalized in the city. In addition, if the AAP’s politics also revolves around Hindutva issues, it would be eating into the BJP vote bank and by default also helping the Congress that could become a major player in a triangular fight next year. Atishi’s performance as the CM would be closely watched and could impact the political prospects of the party one way or the other.

Since she is a new face, she does not carry the baggage of either Kejriwal or Sisodia, both of whom have been her mentors. She has to carve her own place and cannot afford to be viewed as a rubber stamp of her party’s central leadership. She has the potential and thus has to simultaneously provide good governance in this short period as also she has to enhance the prospects of her party. Kejriwal and Sisodia have reposed their confidence in her but it is for her to take the ship forward. On one hand, she has to deal with the Lt.Governor, who enjoys overriding powers and on the other hand, she has to keep the flock together in her party.

Atishi Takes Oath As Delhi’s New CM With 5-Minister Cabinet, Ushering In A New Era After Kejriwal’s Exit

September 21, 2024, 12:31 am

Delhi’s political landscape has seen a significant shift as President Droupadi Murmu officially accepted Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation and appointed Atishi as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. This comes after Kejriwal, embroiled in the liquor policy case, was granted bail by the Supreme Court last Friday.

Kejriwal Steps Down Amid Legal Trouble

After being granted bail, Arvind Kejriwal announced his decision to step down as Chief Minister, giving himself 48 hours to resign. Kejriwal’s decision follows increasing pressure from the liquor policy scam case, a scandal that has drawn national attention. On September 17, his resignation was formalized, marking the end of his tenure as Delhi’s CM.

Atishi’s Rise to Power

President Droupadi Murmu appoints Atishi as CM of NCT Delhi, from the date of her being sworn in and accepts Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. The President clears the appointment of 5 Ministers. The oath ceremony at Raj Niwas will be held tomorrow, September 21: Official source

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2024

Atishi, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a trusted ally of Kejriwal, was quickly approved as his successor. Known for her work as a former cabinet minister, Atishi has gained a reputation for her leadership and policy expertise. Following a legislative party meeting, she was officially nominated to become the third woman to hold the position of Chief Minister in Delhi, after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.

Swearing-In Ceremony and New Cabinet

President Droupadi Murmu appoints Atishi as CM of NCT Delhi, from the date of her being sworn in and accepts Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. The President clears the appointment of 5 Ministers. The oath ceremony at Raj Niwas will be held on September 21 pic.twitter.com/I2dppt7Mx6

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2024

The swearing-in ceremony for Atishi is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 PM in Delhi. Alongside Atishi, five other ministers—Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Kailash Gehlot, Imran Hussain, and Mukesh Ahlawat—will also take their oaths and join her in forming the new Delhi cabinet.

Looking Ahead: AAP’s Next Move

As Atishi prepares to take on her new role, the Aam Aadmi Party is seeking to hold simultaneous assembly elections in November. This would coincide with the elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, adding further momentum to Delhi’s political developments.

Atishi’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the AAP, and her leadership will be closely watched as the party navigates the upcoming elections and works to restore its public image.

With her track record and Kejriwal’s backing, Atishi is poised to take on the significant responsibilities of leading the national capital at a crucial time.

Watch: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Walk Out Tihar Jail, Crowd Cheers

September 13, 2024, 6:50 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was granted bail today by the Supreme Court. This case, tied to allegations of corruption in the implementation of Delhi’s liquor policy, has been a significant political issue in India. The bail comes with conditions that Kejriwal must follow during his time out of custody.

Kejriwal thanked his supporters who cheered for him as he walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday.

WATCH:

#WATCH | Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal released from Tihar Jail

The Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi excise policy case today pic.twitter.com/xacY3zo9fO

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

The Delhi excise policy case has been a significant issue in Indian politics, involving allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the implementation of the Delhi government’s liquor policy.

Below is a chronological breakdown of key events:

1. Introduction of the Excise Policy (2021)
In November 2021, the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was introduced by the Delhi government, aimed at increasing state revenue, ensuring equitable liquor distribution, and improving customer experience. It also involved the government exiting the retail liquor business, leaving it to private players.

2. Allegations and Investigations (July 2022)
By mid-2022, allegations of corruption surfaced, claiming that undue benefits were given to liquor licensees, leading to significant revenue loss for the state. The opposition parties, including the BJP, accused Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of financial irregularities.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began probing the policy after a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in July 2022. Saxena raised concerns about procedural lapses and suspected corruption.

3. Arrest of Key Figures (August 2022)
In August 2022, the CBI arrested Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, who was one of the architects of the excise policy. This marked a turning point, with Sisodia being accused of manipulating the policy to benefit liquor cartels in exchange for kickbacks.

4. Withdrawal of the Excise Policy (August 2022)
As the controversy escalated, the Delhi government withdrew the Excise Policy 2021-22 in August 2022, reverting to the old regime for liquor distribution. This was seen as a political move to contain the damage caused by the allegations.

5. Sisodia’s Arrest and Charges (2023)
After Sisodia’s arrest, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The CBI and ED filed multiple chargesheets, accusing Sisodia and other officials of financial misconduct.

6. Arvind Kejriwal’s Involvement (2023-2024)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was named in the investigation, though he was not arrested immediately. The case intensified politically, with AAP accusing the central government of targeting its leaders for political reasons.

7. Bail for Key Figures (2024)
On September 13, 2024, Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the excise policy case. This followed similar bail grants for other key figures involved in the case, such as Manish Sisodia.

The case continues to generate political and legal repercussions, with ongoing investigations by the CBI and ED.

Former AAP leader Sandeep Kumar Acquitted in Rape Case

September 11, 2024, 9:55 pm

Former Delhi Minister Sandeep Kumar expressed his gratitude towards the Rouse Avenue Court and the Indian Constitution after his acquittal in a high-profile rape case on Wednesday. Kumar, who was a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), criticized the party for not supporting him during his legal battle.

Court Acquittal Details:
Sandeep Kumar was accused of rape in 2016, following a political conspiracy, as claimed by the former minister. After a prolonged legal struggle, the court ruled in his favor, acquitting him of all charges.

Sandeep Kumar’s Reaction: Kumar thanked the judiciary, stating: “I want to thank the Rouse Avenue Court and the Indian Constitution for this verdict.” He further questioned the AAP leadership, asking Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia about their stance now that he has been acquitted.

Background on Sandeep Kumar:
Sandeep Kumar, once a prominent AAP member, held positions such as Minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister. In 2016, an objectionable video surfaced, leading to his suspension from the party and subsequent resignation as a minister. The former minister has continued to fight the charges, maintaining that they were politically motivated.

Also read: Uttar Pradesh: NIA Court Sentences 16 Convicts in High-Profile Illegal Conversion Case

Political Fallout: Kumar’s legal battles also resulted in his disqualification from the Delhi Assembly under the anti-defection law in 2019 after supporting the Bahujan Samaj Party in elections.

BJP’s Plea to Postpone Haryana Polls Ignites Political Firestorm

August 26, 2024, 3:50 am

Opposition accuses BJP of fear and manipulation, Election Commission’s decision awaited.

In a dramatic twist ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, a letter from Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli to the Chief Election Officer seeking brief postponement of the October 1 Assembly polls has ignited a political firestorm.

The BJP’s request comes on the heels of the sudden election announcement last week, which caught many by surprise. Interestingly, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has thrown its weight behind the BJP, also writing to the Election Commission to support the deferment. However, the Congress, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have vehemently opposed the move, insisting that the elections should proceed as scheduled.

Congress leader Deepender Hooda took to X (formerly Twitter) to lambast the BJP, accusing them of running scared. “The BJP’s request to the Election Commission to postpone the elections reveals their fear of impending defeat. They are resorting to childish excuses because they have no issues to present, no achievements to showcase, and not even 90 worthy candidates to contest. The voters of Haryana are aware and won’t be distracted by holidays; they will turn up in large numbers to oust the BJP,” Hooda declared. He further asserted, “Changing the election date won’t change the minds of the people of Haryana. The BJP is on its way out, and Congress is coming in.”

JJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala also criticized the BJP, arguing that the party’s plea to delay the elections stems from a fear of early voting. Speaking in Jind, Chautala expressed confidence that the Election Commission would not entertain the BJP’s request. “The BJP’s support has dwindled so much that they may not even secure 20 seats. On October 1, Haryana voters will show their anger by voting the BJP out of power,” he predicted.

AAP Haryana president Sushil Gupta echoed these sentiments, stating, “The days of the BJP and JJP are numbered. Their defeat is inevitable, which is why BJP leaders are now talking about extending the election date.”

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have been defending their request, arguing that the proposed election date of October 1 could see a dip in voter turnout due to the holidays. Senior BJP leader Anil Vij further clarified, “We are not demanding a delay; the polls can be advanced as well. The concern is that October 1 falls in the middle of a holiday period.”

In his letter, BJP state president Badoli expressed concern that many voters might be away from their constituencies during the extended weekend, which could lead to reduced participation in the elections.

Political observers suggest that the BJP’s concern may be rooted in the fact that urban voters, who traditionally form a significant part of the party’s base, are more likely to travel during long weekends.

As the debate rages on, Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal has forwarded the letters to the Election Commission, with a decision on the matter expected by Tuesday. The outcome of this request would not only have far-reaching implications for the political fortunes of political parties, but any change in the date of polling day, may also led to change in the entire election schedule-including the counting of vote which is scheduled for October 4.

Badal Urges NGT To Penalise AAP

August 24, 2024, 1:43 am

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today appealed to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to pass an order directing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to deposit the Rs 3,108 crore penalty imposed on the Punjab government for non-compliance of environment laws.

In a statement here, the SAD president said Punjabis should not be penalised for the persistent defiance of green laws by the AAP government. “The AAP government has willfully failed to take the necessary steps to manage solid and sewage waste despite repeated warnings. It has failed to act even after it was fined Rs 2,080 crore in 2022 leading to the latest Rs 1,026 crore penalty. In such a scenario it is incumbent to recover this amount from AAP instead of the people of Punjab”.

Sukhbir Badal said the NGT should also hold chief minister Bhagwant Mann personally responsible for failing to manage solid waste and sewage pollution and action should be taken against him under Section 26 of the NGT Act, 2010 instead of issuing notices to the State chief secretary. “Instead of punishing and prosecuting officers, the chief minister should be prosecuted as he is not allowing officers to take the necessary remedial steps”. Badal said it was unfortunate that Punjab had been struck with a penalty of Rs 3,108 crore at a time when it was in a deep financial crisis. He said the AAP was responsible for this also as it was frittering away State resources in wasteful expenditure including advertisements and events aimed at spreading the party’s wings in other States instead of concentrating on the development of Punjab.

The SAD president also said it was a matter of concern that less than half of the dry and wet waste in the industrial city of Ludhiana was being treated. He said the SAD government had undertaken an intensive drive to clean up the Buddha Nala in Ludhiana leading to a severe reduction in release of effluents into the Nala. He said this as well as other efforts to clean the State’s rivers and Nalas had taken a hit during the AAP regime leading to imposition of huge penalties on the State government.

I-Day Security Prompts AAP To Reschedule Sisodia’s Padyatra To August

August 15, 2024, 2:27 am

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has postponed the padyatra of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia due to security concerns surrounding Independence Day. Initially planned for an earlier date, the event has been rescheduled to August 16, 2024. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced the change on Wednesday after consultations with the Delhi Police, who advised the postponement.

Senior AAP leader and Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that due to the central government’s conspiracies, Manish Sisodia was imprisoned for 17 months. After finally being granted bail by the Supreme Court, the party decided that Sisodia would begin a padyatra across various areas of Delhi on August 14, 2024, to connect with the people. However, the padyatra has now been rescheduled to begin on August 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm, starting from the Greater Kailash constituency.

Further explaining the reason for the postponement, Bharadwaj mentioned that when permission was sought from the police department, they recommended delaying the padyatra due to the heightened security and vigilance surrounding August 15th. The police suggested that postponing the event by a few days would be more prudent from a security perspective, a suggestion the party found reasonable.

He added that, in light of the police’s suggestion, Manish Sisodia has decided to commence his march across Delhi on August 16th, the day after Independence Day. The time and location will remain unchanged, with the march beginning at 5:00 pm from the DDA Flats in Kalkaji.
“We do not want any issues or disturbances to occur on Independence Day.

Uddhav Thackeray Visits Sunita Kejriwal During Three-Day Delhi Tour

August 8, 2024, 1:47 pm

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal, at the latter’s residence in the national capital on Thursday during the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief’s three-day visit to Delhi.

Uddhav Thackeray was accompanied by his son and party MLA Aaditya Thackeray and party leader Sanjay Raut during the visit. AAP MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha were also present.

Speaking about the meeting, MP Sanjay Singh said that the former Maharashtra CM extended his support to Sunita Kejriwal and the Delhi CM’s parents.

“Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray along with his son Aaditya Thackeray, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut came to meet Sunita Kejriwal and Arvind Kejriwal’s parents. In Arvind Kejriwal’s case, for the first time in the history of the Indian judiciary, his release was stopped without a copy of the order. A new CBI case was made and he was forcibly kept in jail. So all these points were discussed,” he said.

“Through ED-CBI they (Govt) want to suppress our voice. But we will all fight this government together. Everyone is standing with each other in this. Uddhav ji gave this assurance to Sunita Kejriwal and her family,” Singh added.

The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case concerning the Excise Policy matter. Delhi High Court stated that it cannot be said that the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was without justifiable reason. In the case, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has requested a short adjournment to address its plea for the cancellation of bail granted to CM Kejriwal.

The Delhi High Court has questioned the ED on whether cancelling Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail would lead to his re-arrest. The court’s inquiry aims to clarify the implications of the ED’s plea for bail cancellation. The court adjourned the matter for September 5, 2024.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief met with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Delhi in the run-up to assembly elections in Maharashtra. Party leader Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray were also present.

Thackeray is on a three-day visit to the national capital meeting with major opposition leaders bracing up for the upcoming state assembly polls likely to be held later this year.

The state is likely to poll for the 288-member legislative assembly later this year, as the tenure of the current government ends in 2024. However, the Election Commission has yet to announce the dates.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections 2024, the ruling BJP dipped to a mere nine seats in Maharashtra against 23 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The vote share stood at 26.18 per cent. The Congress, on the other hand, marginally improved its seat share by securing 13 seats in the state. The Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won seven and one seats respectively, taking the total tally of the Maha Yuti alliance to 17. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) got nine seats while the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar won eight seats.

Delhi Mayor Orders Demolition of Encroaching Coaching Centres

July 31, 2024, 12:36 pm

Following the tragic deaths of three students due to severe waterlogging at a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi Minister Atishi announced on Wednesday that the interim inquiry report from the MCD has been received.

Atishi explained that the report revealed two significant issues: the drain in the area was obstructed by coaching centres, preventing proper water drainage, and the library established within the coaching centre was illegal. “The interim inquiry report, which has been submitted by the MCD, indicates that the drain—responsible for the waterlogging—was encroached upon by the coaching centres, which blocked the water flow. Additionally, the setup of libraries and classes in the basement of the coaching centre was entirely illegal. The building department had only authorized the basement for storage or parking. The complete report will be available in seven days,” she said.

She also noted that the MCD had initiated the inquiry based on the preliminary findings. “The junior engineer responsible for maintaining the drain and preventing encroachment has been permanently terminated. The assistant engineer, tasked with ensuring proper drain function and adherence to regulations, has been suspended. An investigation into both officers is underway,” Atishi added.

Further action will be taken based on the forthcoming magisterial report. “The magisterial report is expected in six days, and those found responsible will face consequences. Upon learning of the encroachment and resulting waterlogging, Mayor Shailey Oberoi instructed the demolition of all coaching centres that had encroached on the drains,” Atishi stated.

Additionally, Atishi revealed that 30 coaching centres, including Drishti IAS Centre and Sanskruti Academy, have been sealed for operating libraries in their basements. Notices have also been issued to 200 other institutions. “Coaching centres in Rajendra Nagar, Preet Vihar, Mukherjee Nagar, and Laxmi Nagar, such as Drishti IAS Centre and Sanskruti Academy, are among those sealed. Another 200 centres have been notified,” she said.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, in response to the incident, assured that the students’ demands will be addressed and a meeting will be arranged with them. She expressed condolences to the families of the deceased students. “In the basement incident, it was found that there was only one entry and exit route. We extend our condolences to the families. We will meet with the students to discuss their demands and subsequently introduce new regulations in the Delhi Assembly,” Oberoi stated.

Oberoi also emphasized that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be required to comply with the new rules and regulations, with strict actions to be taken against those found guilty. “The MCD must adhere to all new regulations. We will conduct a thorough review of basement usage and enforce strict penalties for any violations. No irresponsibility will be tolerated,” she concluded.

India News Manch 2024: AAP MP Sanjay Singh Slams ED, Claims No Evidence Against Party In Excise Policy Case

July 29, 2024, 12:12 pm

ITV Network’s ‘Manch’ today (July 29) features major political figures discussing key national issues. Among them, AAP MP Sanjay Singh shared his views on several controversies.

Sanjay Singh: No Evidence Found Against AAP

At the India News platform, AAP MP Sanjay Singh claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ensnared in a “Chakravyuh” set up by its opponents. He highlighted the global acclaim for Delhi’s improved education and health models, noting that American Presidents have praised the schools established under Kejriwal’s leadership. Singh asserted that despite allegations of bribery linked to the excise policy, no concrete evidence has been found against the party.

Sanjay Singh Criticizes ED, Discusses Coaching Center Case

Singh accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of arbitrary arrests and claimed that evidence against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was missing. Regarding the Delhi coaching center issue, he acknowledged the existence of illegal operations but emphasized that AAP is not evading responsibility.

Punjab CM And Governor Engage In Public War Of Words

July 27, 2024, 3:42 am

The tussle between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann continues. Chief Minister Mann and Governor Purohit keep accusing each other. Once again there is an atmosphere of tension between the two. On Friday afternoon, at the Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh, Governor Banwarilal Purohit held a press conference in. During this press conference, he responded to the allegations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The Governor replied to CM Mann in his own style and said that I contested elections eight times, won five and lost three. My result is 60 percent, but Bhagwant Mann’s result is zero percent.

Law and order situation in Punjab is continuously deteriorating: Governor
At the same time, the governor also cornered the Aam Aadmi Party government of Punjab on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The governor said that I cannot see wrong happening before my eyes.

AAP Headquarters Relocates To Bungalow No. 1 In Central Delhi

July 25, 2024, 2:01 pm

In a significant move, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi is relocating its headquarters to Bungalow No. 1 on Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane in central Delhi. This decision comes after the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to allocate the new office space, as reported by news agency ANI.

Previously, AAP operated its headquarters from the Rouse Avenue area. However, the Supreme Court had mandated the party vacate the premises, initially setting a deadline of June 15, later extended to August 10. The original plot had been allotted for the expansion of the Delhi High Court’s infrastructure.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had contested this decision, stating that the plot was allocated to them in 2015, and it was only in 2020 that it was designated for judiciary use. Emphasizing its status as a national party, AAP argued for a plot in central Delhi comparable to those allotted to other national parties.

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the Centre should be contacted by AAP in order to get appropriate land for its offices, as per the Supreme Court’s directive.Following these instructions, the new office space on Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane has now been designated for the party’s use.

This relocation marks a pivotal moment for AAP as it establishes its new headquarters in the heart of Delhi, ensuring compliance with the court’s orders while continuing its operations seamlessly.