CM Bhagwant Mann’s Strategic Move to Jalandhar Ahead of Crucial Bypoll

After a resounding victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a stark reality in the 2023 Lok Sabha polls, securing only three parliamentary constituencies with a 26.2% vote share. This was a significant drop from their previous performance, where they won 92 out of 113 Assembly seats with a 42.01% vote share.

To rejuvenate the party’s momentum, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has concentrated his efforts on the upcoming Jalandhar West Assembly bypoll scheduled for July 10. Demonstrating his commitment, Mann has relocated his family to Jalandhar, settling in a spacious rented home in the Deep Nagar locality. Initially perceived as a temporary move, AAP insiders reveal that the Mann family intends to stay long-term.

On Thursday, Mann confirmed his plans at a rally, stating, “I was planning for a long time to set up an office in Doaba so that I can meet the people of the Doaba and Majha regions. One good thing that came out of this by-election is that I was finally able to implement the plan and set up an office here.”

Mann, along with his wife Dr. Gurpreet Kaur and his sister Manpreet Kaur, is now based in Jalandhar, meeting residents daily and addressing their grievances. An AAP leader mentioned that Mann meets around 500 people every morning at his home. Dr. Kaur has also encouraged the people of Jalandhar to approach her and other family members directly with any concerns, emphasizing their commitment to being accessible beyond election periods.

“Now people don’t have to go to Chandigarh to get their work done; now the government is at your doorstep,” Mann declared at a rally. He assured that he would maintain his Jalandhar residence even after the elections to be available to the people of Doaba and Majha three to four days a week.

AAP leaders have stated that a member of the Mann family will be present in Jalandhar at least twice a week to address public grievances. This practice will also extend to Dhuri in Sangrur, Mann’s hometown, alongside regular interactions in Chandigarh.

Despite a strong performance in Malwa and a decent showing in Majha in 2022, AAP faced challenges in Doaba, which includes districts such as Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Nawanshahr. The region of Majha encompasses Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and Pathankot, with 25 Assembly constituencies. Malwa alone has 69 Assembly seats.

In 2022, AAP won 66 seats in Malwa, 16 out of 25 in Majha, and 10 out of 23 in Doaba. Mann’s move aims to address the party’s underperformance in these regions during the Lok Sabha elections, where they led in only 33 Assembly segments.

Summary:

• AAP’s Performance: Significant drop in vote share from 42.01% in 2022 Assembly elections to 26.2% in 2023 Lok Sabha polls.
• Strategic Relocation: CM Bhagwant Mann and his family moved to Jalandhar to focus on the Jalandhar West Assembly bypoll.
• Long-term Commitment: Mann plans to maintain his Jalandhar residence post-elections to stay accessible to the people.
• Public Engagement: Mann and his family meet residents daily to address grievances, with Mann meeting around 500 people every morning.
• Regional Focus: Efforts to improve AAP’s performance in Doaba, Majha, and Malwa regions.
• Historical Context: AAP’s previous strong performance in 2022 with 92 out of 113 Assembly seats, now facing challenges in maintaining momentum.