Currently, the AAP party has 93 MLAs in Punjab. The total strength of the Assembly is 117, but due to one vacancy, the number of sitting MLAs is 116. Recently, Assembly elections were held in Delhi on February 5th, with results announced on February 8th. These results are now a matter of public record. During the campaign, I actively participated, particularly in the Badli constituency, and interacted with friends, acquaintances, party workers, and independent voters from various social backgrounds and assembly segments. The insights I gained from these interactions were as enriching as reading five books on Delhi’s political landscape. Additionally, my nearly three decades of experience in the police force have equipped me with an analytical perspective, allowing me to process this information logically.
For now, I will set aside the Delhi scenario and focus on Punjab politics, where I naturally receive inputs with minimal effort. Without delving into unnecessary details but against the backdrop of what I’ve shared, I would like to make the following observations:
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- Risk of Implosion in Punjab AAP: Any move by Mr. Kejriwal to disrupt the existing balance in Punjab could trigger an implosion within the Punjab unit of AAP. Such an action would be akin to an animal harming its own offspring—self-destructive and suicidal. There have been instances in Mr. Kejriwal’s political career where his insecurities led to hasty decisions, causing him to lose self-control and attempt to micromanage others in his party without political justification. His recent call for a meeting of Punjab MLAs and the Cabinet has reinforced this perception widely.
- Need for Mature Leadership: If Mr. Kejriwal acts maturely and allows collective wisdom to guide his decisions, he can dispel the rumors and speculations circulating among Punjab’s political leaders. Currently, without intending to be a comedian, he is inadvertently making his party appear as a subject of ridicule, or as the saying goes, “Makhaul Ka Khaana.”
- Strategic Patience for Opposition Parties: I believe that all political parties, including mine, should exercise patience and avoid proactively highlighting the fault lines of the ruling party in Punjab. Exaggerating these issues could backfire. After all, 93 MLAs is a significant strength, and we must avoid engaging in tactics that could damage our reputation among Punjab’s voters. Such actions could harm us more than the ruling party. Those who left the Congress to join AAP should be allowed to fade away on their own. As Sikh tradition wisely states, “One who is hiding should not be targeted.” History also teaches us that betrayal (Bedawa) can only be countered if the defectors achieve martyrdom. A wise leader would refrain from inviting them back, as any short-term gains would be outweighed by long-term damage. Now, turning to the ground realities, it is widely known among the people of Punjab that AAP’s influence in the state is waning. However, if AAP wishes to exit gracefully in the 2027 Punjab elections, they must start today from Kapurthala House in Delhi. The people of Punjab do not want AAP’s leadership to engage in theatrics or plunge the state government into chaos. Punjab is already grappling with severe economic challenges. The state’s revenue and fiscal deficits are in a dire state, with mounting debt and insufficient income. This has resulted in a capital outlay far below the national average. Punjab faces chronic issues of low capital expenditure, to the extent that even salaries are being paid through loans. The drug epidemic is devastating the youth, leading to premature deaths and widespread mental health issues. The healthcare system is deteriorating, with the state on the brink of a diabetic pandemic. A recent AIMS report highlights these alarming trends. Corruption has spread like gangrene across various governance sectors, including mining, excise, urban development, food procurement and distribution, agricultural support systems, land encroachments, the fight against drugs, curbing organized crime, and illegal human smuggling by travel agents. There are also troubling reports of the state police resorting to false encounters, seemingly inspired by the Yogi model, to cover up their failures amid declining law and order.Extortion calls targeting businessmen have become prevalent, with those refusing to comply facing fatal consequences. This has led to an exodus of businesspersons from the state. Established businesses are hesitant to expand, and the environment for new startups or investments is virtually nonexistent. Young students are leaving Punjab, legally and illegally, for foreign shores, resulting in a human resource crunch and a drastic decline in birth rates. No state can progress without its youth and their talents. Unfortunately, some political leaders in Punjab appear politically bankrupt, either unaware of their responsibilities or indifferent to the state’s changing demographics.All these factors have dragged Punjab from its former glory as the number one state to a dismal 15th position. Economic and social indicators are at their lowest ebb. Instead of indulging in infighting and mudslinging, AAP should focus on addressing these critical issues in today’s meeting at Kapurthala House. Doing so would pave the way for a soft landing and a graceful exit in 2027.Let me be clear: I am not concerned about your party or your MLAs. My words are solely for the good of my mighty state, Punjab—a land that once repelled even Sikander the Great to protect its dignity. I love my state and my country, and I do not wish to see Punjab descend further into political chaos or economic ruin. Do not reduce my state to a defamatory pedestal. I am reminded of an incident during British India when a Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar made the Maharaja of Kapurthala run barefoot. Such humiliation must not be repeated. I urge you to avoid wrong practices and hope that collective wisdom prevails. I am keeping my fingers crossed. God bless Punjab. Punjab Jindabad!
