In a significant political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday appointed prominent industrialist Nitin Kohli as the Halqa In-Charge for the Jalandhar Central constituency. The move is seen as a part of the party’s long-term strategy to strengthen its organizational structure ahead of the 2027 Punjab elections. Nitin Kohli was inducted into the party by AAP Punjab Incharge Manish Sisodia, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora, AAP Punjab Working President Sherry Kalsi, and Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat. The event took place today at 1:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel, Jalandhar.
In an exclusive conversation with True Scoop, Nitin Kohli expressed gratitude to the higher command for showing faith in him. He hinted that he has solid plans regarding the development of the city. He also emphasised that these plans will not just be on paper and brought to life under the guidance of AAP.
Why did AAP choose Nitin Kohli as Jalandhar Central Halqa Incharge?
Known for his extensive social involvement spanning over three decades, Nitin Kohli is a prominent figure in the city’s civic and sporting life. He served as the president of Hockey Punjab for eight consecutive years and holds a strong presence in the sports industry circles. His deep-rooted connections are expected to bolster AAP’s support base, particularly among small and big traders, youth, and urban voters.
Kohli has played a crucial role in multiple civic initiatives in Jalandhar. One notable example is his contribution to the development of Jalandhar's Burlton Park, a major infrastructure project in the city that was shelved for the past 9 years.
As per sources, the turning point of the revival of the Burlton Park project came when Nitin Kohli approached MP Ashok Mittal, urging intervention to ensure the project’s completion. Mittal’s swift action led to the contractor, who was a close friend of Mr Amit Bajaj, another well-known figure of Jalandhar. The Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Gautam Jain, also played a critical role in securing the necessary approvals from New Delhi, given the Smart City status of the project. Once it's completed, Jalandhar will be able to host international Hockey Matches and even IPL matches.
Additionally, his behind-the-scenes strategic role in the last Jalandhar Municipal Corporation elections was instrumental in AAP’s success, including the election of Mayor Vaneet Dhir. Sources confirm that Kohli supported several winning candidates, directly and indirectly.
What makes Kohli’s appointment even more strategic is his strong backing from influential industrial families in the region. Jalandhar Central is considered a Hindu-dominated, trader-heavy constituency where Kohli enjoys significant goodwill due to his long-standing associations with business communities and social work. His involvement in Gymkhana Club politics further underscores his influence in elite social circles.
Party insiders suggest that AAP is counting on Kohli’s wide-ranging connections, social capital, and strategic acumen to revive its fortunes in Jalandhar Central. His appointment signals a shift in focus towards a more localized and relationship-driven campaign strategy. Despite being active in public life for over three decades, Kohli has maintained a clean image. His credibility and non-controversial background are seen as assets to strengthen the party’s hold.