Punjab’s Hot Seat: Bhagwant Mann’s Statement Stirs CM Change Buzz!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Following the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections speculations arose regarding a potential leadership change in Punjab. Opposition leaders fueled the discussions, prompting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to respond. Dismissing the rumors that Arvind Kejriwal might replace him as Punjab’s CM Mann stated “These are just baseless speculations. Kejriwal is the national convener and is busy managing the party across India.”Mann further illustrated the nature of misinformation by sharing a personal anecdote: “I received calls today wishing me a happy birthday but when I checked online I found out it was false. There is only one birthday in a year not multiple.”

Addressing the recent deportation of Punjabi youth from the U.S. Mann expressed strong opposition. “I went to Amritsar to protest against this. We have raised the issue nationally and I assure that no future flights carrying deported Punjabis will land in Punjab,” he said adding that his government is committed to assisting struggling youth abroad. The political discourse intensified after Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that 30 AAP MLAs were in contact with him post the Delhi elections. In response Kejriwal convened a meeting with AAP leaders further fueling political chatter. However AAP dismissed the claims maintaining that no MLA intended to leave the party. In the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections AAP secured 92 seats well above the 59-seat majority mark. Even if 30 MLAs were to defect the party would retain 62 seats ensuring the stability of its government.