Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has finalised 40 candidates for the upcoming Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections, following an extensive meeting focused on ticket distribution. Mann said the selection process was based on public surveys and feedback from people, adding that the party would release the list on social media platforms, including X.
Describing the meeting as a lengthy and detailed deliberation, the Chief Minister congratulated the candidates whose names had been finalised and expressed hope that they would continue to earn the party’s confidence in the future as well.
Mann also indicated that the party would provide opportunities to new faces, underlining that AAP itself was a relatively young political organisation, established barely 12–13 years ago.
‘Candidates will get more time to connect with people’
Explaining why AAP had decided to announce its candidates ahead of other political parties, Mann said the early announcement would give candidates sufficient time to engage with voters and explain the work undertaken by the Punjab government.
He said candidates would be able to reach out to people, discuss the government’s achievements and present its development agenda before the elections.
The Chief Minister suggested that an early announcement would also help candidates understand public expectations and strengthen their connection with their respective constituencies.
‘Visit Punjab to see the development’
Defending his government’s performance, Mann said the development carried out across Punjab could be seen by visiting villages and towns.
He claimed that grants had been provided to villages, roads had been constructed, and the government had taken steps to address unemployment. He also highlighted the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics and the development of government schools.
Mann said the Congress would find it difficult to compete with AAP on the basis of its development work, asserting that the opposition party would have little to counter when confronted with the government's achievements.
His remarks reflected the AAP government's strategy of making its governance record and development initiatives central to its electoral campaign.
CM Mann confirms Dhuri as his constituency
The Chief Minister also confirmed that his name would figure in the candidate list and that he would contest the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections from Dhuri.
The announcement places Mann at the centre of AAP's electoral preparations, with the Chief Minister expected to lead the party's campaign while defending the government's performance over its tenure.
Mann takes a dig at Congress over candidate selection
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Mann said the party remained apprehensive about its candidates until the last moment, suggesting that uncertainty and the possibility of leaders switching sides or contesting independently complicated its preparations.
In contrast, he said AAP's early candidate announcement would provide its nominees with more time to prepare and campaign.
With 40 candidates finalised, AAP has signalled the beginning of its electoral mobilisation in Punjab. The party's emphasis on public surveys, the inclusion of new faces and an early campaign launch is expected to shape its strategy in the run-up to the Assembly elections.
