The Aam Aadmi Party’s politics in Punjab is increasingly taking the shape of a full-fledged campaign, with the party moving beyond governance claims to a sharper mobilisation around Punjab identity, youth, nationalism and the legacy of Bhagat Singh.
The clearest example came in Ludhiana, where the AAP government organised ‘Jashan-e-Inquilab’ at Punjab Agricultural University to mark Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary. The event combined a large youth gathering with music, theatre and cultural performances, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann used the occasion to make an extended political pitch around his government’s record. The Punjab Chief Minister linked Bhagat Singh’s legacy with his government’s claims on education, healthcare, jobs, electricity, irrigation, women’s welfare and protection of Punjab’s water. He also contrasted his government with previous regimes, accusing them of ignoring the ideals and sacrifices of the martyrs. Youth mobilisation, the anti-drug campaign, education, sports, Punjab’s water and development are being taked about at AAP events. The Bhagat Singh anniversary provided the party with an opportunity to combine these themes with Punjab’s emotional and historical connect with its most iconic revolutionary.
With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, AAP’s messaging is increasingly looking like a campaign taking shape.
