Bathinda: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership on Friday held a massive roadshow in Bathinda, showcasing its political strength in the Malwa region. While the party described the event as a thanksgiving tour in support of Mayor Padamjit Mehta, who was recently elected mayor for a second consecutive term, political observers viewed it as an early campaign ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Addressing supporters during the roadshow, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on opposition parties. Without naming them directly, he alleged that the “drug party”, the “sacrilege party”, the “quarrel party” and the “ED party” had joined hands against AAP.
Kejriwal also defended Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, describing him as an honest leader. He claimed that if Mann had been involved in any wrongdoing, he too would have come under the scanner of central investigative agencies by now.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who accompanied Kejriwal during the event, praised Mayor Padamjit Mehta and his father, Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjit Mehta, for their role in securing the party’s success in the Bathinda Municipal Corporation elections.
Mann also targeted opposition parties while highlighting the Punjab government’s welfare initiatives. He cited free electricity, the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme and several development programmes as key achievements of the AAP government.
The large turnout and show of strength in Bathinda, considered the political capital of the Malwa belt, are being seen as a clear indication of AAP’s preparations and strategy for the next Assembly elections.
