(Image source from: Tribuneindia.com)

The Aam Aadmi Party has separated itself from the statement made by senior member Manish Sisodia, which encouraged party members to do anything necessary to secure victory in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. On Monday, Aman Arora, the head of AAP's state branch, informed journalists that this remark does not align with the party's values. "We will request votes from the public humbly, based on the development projects carried out by (Chief Minister) Bhagwant Mann's government," he stated. Mr. Arora further emphasized that Manish Sisodia, the AAP’s head in the state and recognized as a close associate of party leader Arvind Kejriwal, "does not represent the entire party." He also mentioned that the entire situation stemming from Mr. Sisodia's speech on August 13 had been "taken out of context.""No single person represents the entire party... I am merely a small part of it... I am not AAP, and in my own capacity, I am stating that this does not reflect Arvind Kejriwal’s beliefs or the party's beliefs, and it might not even reflect Manish Sisodia’s beliefs. It has been misinterpreted," he remarked.

The controversy started when a video of Mr. Sisodia speaking at an AAP women's event became widely circulated. In the clip, he seems to exclaim, "To win the 2027 election, we will use everything—money, power, deceit, truth, lies, questions, answers, fights, and arguments—whatever it takes, we will do. Are we ready?" This comment was quickly highlighted by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which raised alarms over the use of the word 'money.' The BJP declared that this word clearly suggested the idea of using bribes to buy votes or spending money to unduly influence and pressure voters or election officials. State unit leader Sunil Jakhar sent a letter to the Election Commission, accusing Mr. Sisodia of attempting to win elections "by any means necessary, thus promoting undemocratic actions and breaking the law." He claimed that these statements undermine the principles of peace, freedom, and integrity, clearly showing AAP's intention to "weaken" the democratic process, demanding an investigation and "stern consequences for Manish Sisodia and the AAP."

Moreover, it isn't only the BJP attacking Punjab's ruling party. The Congress has reacted strongly. The head of its Punjab division, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring shared a harsh criticism on X, stating that Manish Sisodia was "terribly wrong about Punjabis." He added that "If Sisodia thinks AAP can achieve success through those methods... he is dreaming in a fool's world. You may win over Punjabis by being polite, just like in 2022, only to betray them later, but you cannot scare or bully them. This is Punjab, not another state." He expressed, "I appreciate you for showing your true intentions and revealing your plans." In a different context, the Congress' sharp criticism highlights ongoing friction between the two parties, which are officially partners in the INDIA coalition. Nevertheless, even if the national leaders of Congress and AAP aim to collaborate, their local branches (in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions) oppose any partnership. The Shiromani Akali Dal has also requested the Election Commission's intervention.

SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has asked the election authority to revoke AAP's status as a political party due to its use of "corrupt, unlawful, and unconstitutional tactics to win the upcoming election." He also accused Mr. Sisodia and "certain groups (referring to AAP)" of "leading the state toward chaos and community strife by using violent methods to secure electoral victories." Mr. Sisodia has not responded so far. Although the next election in Punjab is almost two years away, the contest has already started. Winning in 2027 is vital for AAP, which lost its influential position in Delhi to the BJP in February. A second loss could signify an end for a party facing numerous corruption accusations involving high-ranking members, including Mr. Sisodia and party leader Arvind Kejriwal.