National desk
22 November
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Senior AAP leader Aman Arora has been appointed as the new president of the party’s Punjab unit, replacing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The announcement was made by CM Mann, who had held the position since January 2019. Mann stepped down, citing his busy schedule as Punjab’s Chief Minister.
Working President Also Named
Alongside Arora, Batala MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi has been named the party’s working president. Both appointments were finalized in a meeting of the AAP Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Delhi.
A Strategic Choice
Arora, the Punjab Renewable Energy Minister and Sunam MLA, is a prominent Hindu face. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to attract Hindu voters, many of whom currently support the BJP.
Proven Leadership
Arora, a two-time MLA, is known for his organizational skills and his ability to unite people. In the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, he secured the largest victory margin in the state.
Key Responsibilities
Arora has been tasked with strengthening the party’s grassroots presence. His focus will be on building the party cadre, challenging the resurgent Congress and BJP, and securing AAP’s position in Punjab politics.
Past Experiments
AAP previously experimented with having Principal Budh Ram as a “working president” to assist Mann. However, this arrangement did not achieve the desired results, prompting a change in leadership.
Looking Ahead
With Arora at the helm, AAP aims to consolidate its support base and expand its reach in Punjab, ensuring robust organizational growth and voter engagement.