AAP in trouble? Ticket cuts spark open revolt ahead of Punjab elections 2027
PTC Web Desk: The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) second list of 31 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections has done what the first list avoided. It has brought open dissent into the party.
The first list of 40, released on October 31, gave tickets to all sitting MLAs, so resistance was limited. The second list of 31 was different. At least seven sitting MLAs, including a Cabinet minister, were dropped. Many tickets went to constituency in-charges and new faces. Aspirants who were passed over have started resigning and the party now faces rising dissent.
Khuddian’s Lambi seat: Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian was replaced by his nephew, Randhir Singh Dhira Khuddian. Khuddian has told the media that nothing is wrong. There are, however, indications that the party may soon take a decision in his favour. That could mean fielding him from another seat.
Also Read | Punjab Assembly elections 2027: AAP releases first list of 40 candidates; Bhagwant Mann to contest from Dhuri
Also Read | AAP releases second list of 31 candidates for Punjab, drops old faces with a few sitting MLAs retained
Chamkaur Sahib: The party has nominated Jasvir Singh Garhi. Sitting MLA Dr Charanjit Singh has repeatedly said he will contest, even as an independent or from elsewhere. That suggests the seat will not be easy for AAP.
Rajasansi: The nomination of Sonia Mann has triggered a wave of resignations, with several local party members quitting.
Kharar: Sitting MLA and former minister Anmol Gagan Maan was dropped and Parminder Singh Goldy was named instead. Unrest is visible here too. In a Facebook post, Anmol Maan said her silence had led to speculation. She said Arvind Kejriwal called her at noon on August 5, 2026, and asked her if she wanted to contest. She added that he also asked her to say publicly that it was her own decision not to contest.
Laljit Singh Bhullar also announced he would not contest, before the lists came out. Anmol Gagan Maan made the same statement later. This raises a question: was pressure applied to get such statements from sitting MLAs?
AAP claims tickets were decided by surveys, which it has reportedly run every month. Sources claim there is also a fear within the party that some MLAs may leave.
The scale of dissent after the second list is much greater than after the first. A third list will be the next test. If more sitting MLAs are dropped, more aspirants may be disappointed and the unrest could grow. Rival parties will be watching closely.
- PTC NEWS
