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Key Points

The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Punjab, accusing them of transforming the state into a "rehabilitation centre" for Kejriwal's rejected Delhi loyalists. BJP leaders like Tarun Chugh and Manjinder Singh Sirsa claim that AAP is systematically placing its favored individuals in key administrative positions, effectively undermining Punjab's autonomy. They argue that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been reduced to a "rubber stamp" while Kejriwal operates as a remote puppet master. The allegations suggest a broader critique of AAP's political strategy of transplanting its Delhi network into Punjab's political ecosystem.

Key Points: BJP Slams Kejriwal's Punjab Power Grab with Delhi Loyalists

  • BJP criticizes AAP's strategic placement of Delhi-based lawyers in Punjab's key positions
  • Alleges Kejriwal is remotely controlling Punjab through Bhagwant Mann
  • Questions constitutional legitimacy of imported political appointees
2 min read

AAP turns Punjab into rehabilitation centre for Kejriwal's loyalists: BJP

BJP alleges AAP is transforming Punjab into a rehabilitation zone for Kejriwal's rejected Delhi allies, questioning state's autonomy

"This is not governance — it's a mockery of Punjab's dignity - Tarun Chugh, BJP National General Secretary"

Chandigarh, May 20

BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for turning Punjab into a rehabilitation centre for Arvind Kejriwal’s loyalists rejected in Delhi.

Reacting to the appointment of three Delhi-based lawyers — Mohammad Irshad, Prashant Manchanda, and R.V. Sinha — as Additional Advocate Generals in Punjab, Chugh questioned whether Punjab lacked its own legal talent or whether it had now become a “shelter home” for Kejriwal’s “blue-eyed boys”.

Chugh said: “The way Arvind Kejriwal is installing his personal coterie in top positions in Punjab smacks of backdoor control and political colonisation. From Delhi’s discarded lawyers to tainted politicians, all are now finding safe haven in Punjab’s corridors of power.” He also questioned how Manish Sisodia, despite holding no constitutional post and being under investigation for corruption, is now enjoying state-sponsored hospitality and resources in Punjab. “What constitutional or moral authority does Sisodia hold in Punjab? Why is a corruption-tainted man being treated like a state guest?” Chugh asked.

He further added: “This is not governance — it’s a mockery of Punjab’s dignity. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reduced himself to a rubber stamp, while Kejriwal remotely governs Punjab like a puppet master.” Calling it a shameful subversion of federal values, Chugh said the people of Punjab did not vote for Delhi's leftovers to be imposed on them. “Bhagwant Mann owes answers to Punjabis — has Punjab been mortgaged to Delhi’s ‘darbaris’?” Chugh remarked.

A day earlier, BJP leader and Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said it was shocking to see yet another Kejriwal tactic of looting Punjab by giving plum posts to his Delhi gang — the same script he followed in Delhi, where he had lost public trust. “He’s now using Punjab as his backup playground,” Sirsa wrote on X.

He said Reena Gupta from Delhi was made Punjab’s Pollution Board Chairman. “Kejriwal ji is doing this to demean the authority and sovereignty of Punjab. What a shameless way of collecting funds for elections by positioning his favourites in authoritative posts!” Sirsa added.

- IANS

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Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the given article:
R
Rahul K.
This is exactly why regional parties need to be careful with national ambitions. AAP won Punjab with great hopes, but now seems to be treating it like a colony. Punjab deserves better than Delhi's rejects! 🤦‍♂️
P
Priya M.
While BJP's criticism may be valid, let's not forget they do the same in states they rule. All parties favor their loyalists. The real question is - are these appointees qualified? If yes, then Delhi or Punjab shouldn't matter.
A
Amit S.
As a Punjabi, this hurts. We voted for change, not for Delhi's leftovers. Bhagwant Mann should remember he's CM of Punjab, not Kejriwal's PA. Our state has brilliant lawyers - why import from Delhi? 😠
S
Sunita R.
The language used by BJP leaders is too harsh. "Shelter home", "darbaris" - this is not healthy political discourse. Criticism is fine, but why so much negativity? Let's focus on policy issues rather than name-calling.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how BJP is suddenly concerned about Punjab's autonomy. Where was this concern when they were imposing governors and LGs? Both parties play the same game, just different players. Punjabis deserve better than this political drama.

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