Congress MP Manish Tewari on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the potential political instability in Punjab, warning that it could have severe national consequences. His remarks come in response to opposition claims that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, could collapse at any moment.
Speaking to ANI, Tewari described it as a “tragedy” that Delhi has failed to understand the unique dynamics of Punjab. He emphasized that the state has its own distinct culture, ethos, and syncretism, which makes it fundamentally different from the capital.
Tewari underscored the significance of Punjab as a border state, stating that any political instability there could have “very severe national repercussions.” He pointed out that the state’s geographical position, especially with a hyperactive western neighbor, requires delicate handling. “Punjab is a border state. Our western neighbor is always hyperactive in trying to subvert and destroy the peace of Punjab. Therefore, border states must be managed with utmost care. The government should focus on crafting a border policy for these states, especially with the ongoing instability in the northeast,” he said.
Tewari also criticized Delhi for its lack of understanding of Punjab’s cultural and political landscape. “Delhi has never understood Punjab, and unfortunately, it never will. Punjab has a different ethos, culture, and it moves to a different beat,” he added.
Meanwhile, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, state ministers, and MLAs to discuss the party’s poor performance in the recent Delhi Assembly elections. The BJP won the Delhi elections by a landslide, securing 48 out of 70 seats. In contrast, AAP’s performance plummeted, with the party only managing to secure 22 seats, down from 62 in the 2020 elections.
The BJP has already suggested that the AAP government in Punjab could be at risk. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh claimed that the “countdown for the fall” of the Punjab government has begun, describing the AAP’s state unit as a “house of cards” ready to collapse, following the rejection of the Delhi model by voters.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also weighed in, stating that the people of Delhi had “punished” Kejriwal for the state’s condition, and warned that Punjab might face a similar fate.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa further escalated tensions by alleging that more than 30 AAP legislators in Punjab are in contact with Congress and are ready to switch sides. He criticized the Punjab government under Bhagwant Mann for its inaction against corrupt ministers, stating that the party’s downfall in Punjab was inevitable. “The Mann government will meet the same fate in 2027. The results from Delhi suggest the beginning of AAP’s end,” Bajwa said.
BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also commented on the situation, claiming that AAP’s decline was inevitable. “Just like BSP candidates lost their deposits in Delhi, AAP candidates will also lose their deposits in the upcoming elections. The contest will eventually be between BJP and Congress,” Singh asserted.