Punjab: AAP holds meeting with MLAs, observers in Jalandhar

Chief Minister Mann and the partys in-charge for Punjab Manish Sisodia reviewed grassroots outreach, strengthened coordination, and sent a message that AAPs real strength lies in its workers, governance record and deep connection with the people.

Amid political turmoil following defection of its seven Rajya Sabha MPs, AAP on Wednesday held a meeting of its MLAs, block observers and other organisation members in Jalandhar, presenting a show of strength. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that the party does not get affected by the exodus of five to seven people. AAP leaders described the meeting as a routine organisational exercise to gather feedback at the ground level from the party's block observers. Describing observers as a bridge between the government and the people, the AAP leaders also asked them to actively communicate the achievements and work of the Bhagwant Mann government to the people. Playground activities were also organised in which MLAs and observers could be seen holding hands in a circle and moving a hula hoop all the way around without breaking their grip, a move which could be seen as a demonstration of unity. AAP's meeting was held at the campus of a private institute in Jalandhar. Chief Minister Mann and the party's in-charge for Punjab Manish Sisodia reviewed grassroots outreach, strengthened coordination, and sent a message that AAP's real strength lies in its workers, governance record and deep connection with the people. Addressing the observers' meeting through video conferencing, Mann said, ''This interaction is a routine organisational exercise... The Aam Aadmi Party has one of the strongest organisational structures in the country, where leaders remain constantly connected with people at the grassroots. ''Observers must actively communicate these achievements to the people. They are a vital bridge between the government and the public. The defection of seven MPs does not affect the strength of the party. If a few drops are taken out of the ocean, it does not impact the ocean. The party is much larger than any individual.'' Highlighting governance decisions, Mann claimed every decision taken by the AAP government has been ''pro-people'' and not a single policy has gone against public interest. In Gujarat, the party has achieved significant success in local body elections. In tribal areas, the party has made historic gains, he said. ''In Punjab, we have over 10,000 sarpanches, and a few individuals leaving cannot weaken such a strong organisation,'' he asserted. ''I urge leaders to take this message to the villages and share these developments with the people, as you are the representatives who go to the grassroots. You understand the real problems of people better than anyone else, and you should bring those issues to the government so they can be resolved,'' he said. Referring to the upcoming Census, he added, ''Encourage people to register Punjabi as their mother tongue, as several decisions depend on Census data and this is crucial.'' ''After the special session of the state Assembly on May 1, I will visit different villages every evening where we will sit together and discuss issues directly. We are not leaders who step out based on temperature. Whether it is extreme heat or cold, we will continue working among the people,'' the Punjab chief minister said. In a message to party workers, Mann said, ''We are the soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal and our training has been tough. We have passed many tests. Time may test us again, but the presence of workers here shows their commitment.'' On April 24, AAP suffered a jolt when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs -- Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney and Swati Maliwal -- quit the party and merged with the BJP, alleging that the party had strayed from its principles, values and core morals. Six of the seven MPs who quit AAP were from Punjab.