New Delhi [India]: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to hold its Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s residence on Friday to discuss major leadership and strategy shifts.
Atishi to Lead AAP’s Delhi Strategy
Following AAP’s defeat in the Delhi Assembly election, party sources indicate that Atishi will take a central role as Leader of the Opposition (LoP), formulating strategies to counter the BJP-led Delhi government.
“As the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Atishi will decide on political strategies to counter the BJP-led Delhi government. The strategy for the assembly and major political attacks concerning the Delhi government will be formulated by Atishi. She would take top leadership nod in major decisions,” sources stated.
However, Delhi’s organisational structure will remain under state convenor Gopal Rai, who will oversee party expansion, reshuffles, and strengthening efforts.
Major Restructuring & State-Level Leadership Appointments
With PAC’s approval, AAP is expected to undergo a major restructuring in the coming month, focusing on three key states: Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa.
Punjab: Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain to Oversee Operations
Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain will take charge of AAP’s Punjab unit.
- They will handle organisational work, support the state convenor and office bearers, and implement central leadership goals.
- Sisodia will oversee the Punjab government’s performance, ensuring the delivery of AAP’s promises and core agendas.
- Both leaders will play a crucial role in strengthening Punjab’s health and education sectors to develop the “Punjab Model” under CM Bhagwant Mann.
“Both Sisodia and Jain will be seen more active in Punjab in the coming months — from organisational work to helping the Bhagwant Mann government to create the ‘Punjab Model’ with assistance on health and education sector overhaul strengthening,” the sources said.
Gujarat: Gopal Rai and Durgesh Pathak Take Over from Sandeep Pathak
AAP views Gujarat as a key battleground after securing nearly 14% vote share and 5 seats in the 2022 assembly elections.
- With Sandeep Pathak stepping away from Gujarat affairs, Gopal Rai and Durgesh Pathak will now lead operations.
- Their focus includes assessing the political landscape, preparing for assembly by-polls, and expanding AAP’s base in regions where it struggled in 2022.
- A key decision ahead will be whether AAP should ally with Congress or contest alone in future elections.
Goa: AAP Eyes Opposition Status
AAP currently has two MLAs in the Goa Assembly and has consistently maintained a 6-7% vote share.
- Saurabh Bharadwaj was initially considered to focus on Goa, but Durgesh Pathak may continue managing the state’s political affairs.
- AAP aims to replace Congress as the main opposition party in Goa.
Looking Ahead
With legal troubles surrounding AAP in Delhi, the party is shifting its focus to Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa, strengthening its regional presence while restructuring its leadership in Delhi.
A formal announcement on these appointments and strategy changes is expected following the PAC meeting.