'Let them say...': Mann trashes rumors of Kejriwal replacing him
What's the story
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has rubbished rumors of him being replaced following the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) loss in the Delhi Assembly elections. The speculation gained traction after a meeting in Delhi, which was attended by party leader Arvind Kejriwal, senior leader Manish Sisodia, and all Punjab MLAs. "Let them say," Mann said when asked about the rumors.
Accusations
BJP MLA accuses Kejriwal of labeling Mann 'incompetent'
The rumors were further fueled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Rajouri Garden, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who claimed Kejriwal was trying to replace Mann by branding him "incompetent." "Arvind Kejriwal..failed to fulfill his promise of giving ₹1,000 to women, was unsuccessful in curbing drug abuse and has worsened Punjab's situation." "Now, he wants to put all failure on Bhagwant Mann. He is making AAP Punjab MLAs say Kejriwal is a 'good man' and should be made CM," Sirsa alleged.
Loyalty
Mann dismisses rumors of quitting AAP
Mann also rubbished rumors of quitting the AAP, stressing the party was built on the foundation of hard work. "Let them talk. We have built this party with our blood and sweat," he said. The Delhi meeting was a routine strategy session, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang said, downplaying reports of dissent in the party and calling opposition claims "baseless."
Criticism
Opposition parties criticize AAP's governance in Punjab
Meanwhile, opposition parties have jumped at the opportunity to attack the AAP's governance in Punjab. BJP leaders predicted that Punjab voters will reject the AAP in the upcoming elections. Congress leaders also took aim at AAP, anticipating a major power shift after Kejriwal's defeat. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed over 20 AAP MLAs were in touch with him, while Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa predicted mid-term elections in Punjab, claiming at least 35 AAP MLAs are ready to switch sides.