AAP Returns to Malwa for Political Conference as Punjab Polls Loom
The Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for a significant political conference in Muktsar town this Wednesday. This event marks a strategic return to Punjab's crucial Malwa region. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will lead the gathering, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues.
From Mela Show to Governing Force
Back in 2016, AAP made its presence felt at the Maghi Mela in Bathinda. The party staged a massive show of force with addresses from Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. That event signaled the arrival of a new political player looking to make serious inroads into Punjab.
A decade later, the situation has transformed dramatically. AAP now firmly holds the reins of power in the state. The upcoming conference represents their first major political mobilization since taking office. Party leaders view this as the official start of their campaign for the assembly elections expected early next year.
Confident Predictions and Key Announcements
Muktsar MLA and party leader Jagdeep Singh Brar expressed strong confidence about the event. "This time again, AAP will overshadow the others," he claimed boldly. The conference will transition from a state-level program into a full-scale political gathering.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is anticipated to announce several key decisions during his address. These announcements will specifically target the upcoming assembly elections. The party aims to showcase its governance achievements while outlining future plans.
Opposition Parties Prepare Their Strategies
Other political parties are also organizing their activities around the Maghi Mela period. The Shiromani Akali Dal has been a regular fixture at these events for years. However, the BJP is taking a different approach this time.
For the first time, the BJP will organize its conference independently. The party previously shared the dais with the Akali Dal until their split in 2020. Several high-profile BJP figures are expected to participate actively.
Key BJP leaders include:
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
- National General Secretary Tarun Chugh
- State President Sunil Jakhar
- Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu
- Acting President Ashwani Sharma
The Shiromani Akali Dal is making concerted efforts to regain lost political ground. Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal has spent the last fortnight holding meetings with various units. His goal is to ensure a massive turnout that demonstrates the party's continued relevance.
Congress Opts Out Citing Religious Concerns
In contrast to other parties, the Congress has decided against organizing a conference. Party officials cited a past directive from the Akal Takht Jathedar. This religious authority advised against political conferences during religious occasions to prevent mudslinging.
The Congress decision reflects their respect for religious sentiments. It also represents a strategic choice to differentiate themselves from other political players during this period.
Other Political Voices Emerge
Several other political figures plan to use the Maghi Mela platform for advocacy. MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Tarsem Singh are likely to raise specific demands. Tarsem Singh is the father of jailed MP Amritpal Singh.
Both leaders are expected to advocate for the release of Amritpal and the 'Bandi Singhs.' Meanwhile, former MP Simranjit Singh Mann will preside over his own party's conference during this period.
The Significance of Maghi Mela
Maghi Mela remains one of Punjab's most important religious gatherings. It commemorates the forty 'Muktas' or liberated ones who sacrificed their lives fighting the Mughals in 1705. The event holds deep historical and spiritual significance for Sikhs across the region.
Thousands of devotees visit historic gurdwaras in Muktsar on Maghi each year. This occurs a day after Lohri celebrations. The convergence of religious observance and political activity creates a unique dynamic in Punjab's political landscape.
The upcoming conference represents more than just another political event. It signals the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely contested election season in Punjab. All major parties are positioning themselves strategically as they prepare for the electoral battle ahead.
