Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann praised the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) significant win in the municipal elections, emphasizing the rejection of traditional parties like Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP by the people. The victory was seen as an endorsement of the government’s development-focused governance approach, with support for initiatives like free electricity, quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Mann highlighted AAP’s strong performance across Punjab, particularly in Dhuri where they secured 19 out of 21 seats, pushing the BJP to fifth place. He expressed confidence in AAP surpassing its 2022 Assembly election success in 2027, promising equal development across all regions of Punjab.
The Chief Minister noted the public’s rejection of communal politics, emphasizing the support for secularism and AAP’s inclusive agenda. He commended the voter turnout despite challenging conditions, attributing it to the commitment to safeguarding democracy. Mann also underscored AAP’s consistent electoral victories over the years, showcasing broad public backing for the party’s policies and governance model.
Mann criticized the opposition’s inability to match AAP’s popularity, pointing out that even the combined efforts of Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP fell short of AAP’s success. He highlighted BJP’s poor performance, failing to secure deposits on over 1,000 seats and ending up in fifth place in the elections. The Chief Minister thanked party workers for their dedication and emphasized the strengthening path for AAP in the upcoming years.
Reflecting on former AAP members who defected, Mann stated that their betrayal had been rebuffed by the people, urging them to contemplate their actions. He cited constituency-specific results to illustrate AAP’s widespread support in Punjab, such as victories in Gidderbaha and Barnala, showcasing the party’s dominance in key areas.
