Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday took a dig at the Congress over its candidate selection process, alleging that the party delays announcing tickets until the last moment out of fear that disgruntled leaders may rebel or contest elections as Independents.
His remarks came a day after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Mann said AAP believes in announcing its candidates three to four months before the polls so that they get sufficient time to reach out to voters and campaign in their respective constituencies.
Explaining the candidate selection process, the Chief Minister said public opinion and survey findings were given considerable importance while finalising the names. Detailed discussions were held before the candidates were selected, and feedback from people was also taken into account.
Congratulating all 40 candidates, Mann expressed confidence that they would emerge victorious in the upcoming Assembly elections. He said the party had also given opportunities to new faces, adding that AAP, which is around 12-13 years old, provides a platform for fresh talent to enter politics and establish themselves.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Mann said the party remains worried that leaders who do not get tickets might become rebellious or enter the electoral fray as Independent candidates. In contrast, AAP's early announcement strategy gives candidates enough time to connect with people and prepare for the elections.
Mann Hits Back at Opposition Over Development Claims
Responding to the Opposition's allegations that development work had not taken place in Punjab, Mann said the Congress was bound to make such accusations. He challenged Opposition leaders to visit the state and assess the work carried out by his government instead of making allegations from outside Punjab.
The Chief Minister claimed that no village in the state had been left out of development funding. He said roads had been constructed in villages and drainage-related problems were being addressed through the Thapar and Siswal models.
He also highlighted development work related to tubewells, employment opportunities for youngsters, the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics and the upgradation of government schools.
Mann said people could themselves assess the government's performance by visiting villages and cities across Punjab and seeing the development projects undertaken over the past few years.
Early Announcement to Help Candidates Highlight Government's Work
Mann said announcing candidates well ahead of the elections would allow them to inform voters about the government's achievements and establish direct contact with people in their constituencies.
The early announcement would also give candidates an opportunity to understand local issues and concerns and strengthen their connect with voters.
He added that the move would bring clarity for other party leaders who were aspiring for tickets. This would give the party sufficient time to address dissatisfaction among leaders and workers, persuade those who might feel disappointed and assign them alternative responsibilities within the organisation.
