Chandigarh (Punjab) [India]: AAP MP Sanjeev Arora on Monday fueled speculation about the party’s future plans, hinting at a potential move by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to the Rajya Sabha. Arora, who is also contesting the Ludhiana West by-election, suggested that Kejriwal may not need to contest an MLA election to secure a seat in the Upper House.
“It’s not needed that someone will contest MLA election, the seat (Rajya Sabha) will be vacated and then he (Arvind Kejriwal) will go to the Rajya Sabha,” said Arora.
Arora revealed that all seven AAP MPs from Punjab in the Rajya Sabha are willing to vacate their seats if Kejriwal decides to make the move. However, he clarified that Kejriwal has not expressed any interest in joining the Rajya Sabha at the moment.
“If he wants – any of us – the 7 MPs that are there in Rajya Sabha from Punjab are ready to vacate the seat. Who will say no to him? But it’s his decision, but as of now, he has shown no interest in going to Rajya Sabha,” Arora added.
These remarks come amid ongoing speculation about Kejriwal’s next political move following AAP’s recent electoral setback in Delhi. A potential Rajya Sabha entry from Punjab could help Kejriwal maintain a strong presence in national politics, leveraging AAP’s majority in the Punjab Assembly.
Sanjeev Arora’s own political journey has been a focal point as he prepares to contest the Ludhiana West by-election. The seat fell vacant following the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi last month. Arora, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in 2022 for a six-year term, might create a pathway for Kejriwal if he decides to resign.
The bypoll date is yet to be announced, but the unfolding political scenario has intensified discussions about AAP’s strategies and Kejriwal’s possible transition to a national legislative role.