National News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday addressed a thanks giving rally in Ludhiana West, celebrating AAP’s decisive by-election victory. Expressing gratitude to the local people and party workers, Kejriwal said the result reflects public approval of AAP’s performance-oriented governance in Punjab. “The Ludhiana West bypoll victory is clear proof that the people of Punjab appreciate the politics of work. The public has once again given a stamp of approval to our government's work,” he said.
Comparing the Ludhiana West and Visavadar bypolls to a "semi-final," Kejriwal predicted that AAP would form the government in both Punjab and Gujarat in the 2027 elections. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab AAP in-charge Manish Sisodia, State President Aman Arora, and other senior leaders were present during the event.
“More Oppression by BJP, More Support for AAP” – Kejriwal
Kejriwal congratulated party workers for victories in both Ludhiana West and Visavadar (Gujarat), noting that AAP defeated BJP by over 17,000 votes in Visavadar despite Gujarat being a BJP stronghold for over 30 years. “Shaken by the loss, BJP arrested our MLA Chaitar Vasava just two days ago. The more BJP resorts to oppression, the more people will join AAP,” he declared.
AAP Asked for Votes on Development; Rivals Spread Fear
Kejriwal contrasted AAP’s development agenda with that of the opposition. “We campaigned on issues like electricity, water, education, anti-drug efforts, and roads. In contrast, BJP and Congress campaigned to stop Kejriwal from going to the Rajya Sabha. They told people that if Sanjeev Arora wins, Kejriwal would enter Parliament’s Upper House,” he said.
Clarifying the Rajya Sabha issue, Kejriwal said he had told CM Bhagwant Mann he had no interest in going to the Rajya Sabha. “I deliberately let the opposition raise this false issue during elections. After the victory, I clarified in a press conference that I will not go to Rajya Sabha. The public is concerned about real issues—electricity bills, basic amenities—not my political moves,” he stated.
"Congress and BJP Are Secret Lovers"
In a scathing critique, Kejriwal accused Congress and BJP of secretly working together. “Some say they are siblings, some say they are a couple. I say they’re like secret lovers who meet in the dark and conspire. They fight publicly, but behind the scenes, they’re aligned,” Kejriwal alleged, saying this had been exposed during elections in Delhi and Gujarat.
“Previous Governments Spread Drugs, AAP Is Cleaning Punjab”
Kejriwal accused previous Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal governments of introducing the drug problem in Punjab. “Their ministers used official vehicles to transport drugs. Now AAP has launched a full-scale war against drug traffickers. Big drug lords are behind bars. Yet Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal abuse us for taking action. One of their top leaders was arrested recently, and after initial protest, Congress leaders had to apologize,” he said.
Revolution in Education Sector Under AAP
Highlighting educational reforms, Kejriwal stated, “In 2017, Punjab ranked 29th in a national education survey. Today, we are number one. We’ve built boundary walls for 8,000+ schools, installed toilets, ensured cleanliness, provided desks, and hired security guards. Students used to sit on floors—now they sit at desks. Still, when we inaugurated toilets or walls, BJP and Congress mocked us. But the people gave them a fitting reply on social media,” he added.
Strict Law Against Sacrilege Coming Soon
Kejriwal revealed that AAP would soon introduce a strict law against sacrilege in Punjab. “Congress always acts with BJP’s permission. I challenge them—ask BJP whether they will support or oppose the sacrilege law,” he said.
Major Boost in Irrigation and Power Supply
Kejriwal noted remarkable improvements in agricultural infrastructure under AAP. “Earlier, only 20% of Punjab’s farmland received irrigation water. In three years, we’ve raised that to 60%. By March 31, 2026, we aim to reach 90%. We’ve also ensured an 8-hour daily power supply, unlike in the past when farmers got power at 3 AM,” he said. He added that previous governments looted Punjab’s treasury, while AAP focuses on health, education, roads, and clean governance.
CM Mann: "Opposition Is Fighting for Relevance"
CM Bhagwant Mann said the AAP government is committed to people-centric governance. “Congress and Akali Dal are now fighting for survival. They can’t even form small committees of 11 or 21 members. These parties looted resources and created religious divisions. The people are now teaching them a lesson,” Mann said.
Rejecting comparisons to foreign models, Mann said, “We’re not trying to make Punjab into California or London—we want a strong, self-reliant Punjab rooted in its cultural identity and people’s participation.”
Historic Improvements in Education
Mann reiterated Punjab's top national ranking in recent surveys. “In 2017, we were 29th. Today, we are number one in academic performance thanks to our hardworking teachers,” he said.
He also warned drug traffickers and their political backers: “Those who protected the killers of Jallianwala Bagh are now in Nabha jail, and their supporters won’t be spared either. Justice might be delayed, but it will be delivered.”
Massive Progress in Jobs, Electricity, Anti-Corruption
CM Mann listed key achievements of the AAP government:
- Over 55,000 government jobs were given without political recommendation.
- Thermal power plant acquired for public benefit.
- 300 units of free electricity per household, with 90% of households receiving zero bills.
- Ongoing crackdown on corruption and drug trafficking.
Upcoming Assembly Session to Expose Opposition Lies
Mann announced a special Punjab Assembly session on July 10-11 to expose the lies of the opposition. “AAP is a people’s government, and only the people have the right to run it. We urge our workers to bring public grievances to the government—our ministers will act promptly,” he concluded.
