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Time of India

AAP claims poll edge as Congress loyalists bolster its ranks

1 2 Ludhiana – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday claimed that several families associated with the Congress joined AAP along with Independent candidate, Chandan Chhanaliya. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann formally welcomed the new members into the party during an event attended by Ludhiana West AAP candidate, Sanjeev Arora, and party MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal. Among the prominent individuals who joined AAP are educationist Simmi Chopra Pashan, Vinayak Pashan, Chanderjit Karan, retired police officer and former international volleyball player Ranbir Singh, advocate Jeevanjot, advocate Mamta Arora, and Manish Aggarwal. Notable names from the Congress include Pawandeep Singh (Ward 57), Varun Sharma and Priyanka Sharma (Ward 60), Saurav Arora (Ward 57), Raja Singh, Rajesh Bindra, Ashwani Bhardwaj, Vicky Gaurav, Ashu Sharma and Yashpal Sharma from Ward 73, Ravi Bali, Rajinder Kaur, Pitu Gill, Kamal Dhir, Rupinder Singh, Neena Bhattal, Kukku Grewal, Mamta Mehta, Anu Kalia, Maninder Bagga, Jasleen Kaur, Samar Bajaj, Ritu Kapoor, and Madhu Thapar. Chief minister Mann said the induction of these individuals had strengthened AAP's position in the upcoming bypoll. "People from all walks of life are joining AAP because of our work in providing free electricity, quality education, and healthcare," he said. He also commended increasing participation of women in politics, noting the large number of women among the new entrants. "They will be given due respect and recognition in both the party and government," he assured. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free Trial Dexcom Click Here Undo Highlighting the educational progress of the state, Mann said that 44 students from government schools of Punjab had cleared the JEE Advanced exam this year and were set to join prestigious IITs. "These students received free coaching and support from their schools," he added. Criticism of Opposition Mann took a dig at opposition parties, accusing the Congress of being mired in internal conflicts and alleging that the BJP had "fled the field." He criticised the BJP's campaign tactics, including distribution of sindoor, saying that such tactics were inappropriate for governance. He also condemned the politicisation of the military, saying, "No former Prime Minister has ever worn a military uniform. The current PM is using it for political mileage. " Attack on Akali Dal Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Mann alleged that gangsters and drug networks had flourished during its tenure. He cited the Nabha jailbreak and killing of a police officer as examples of lawlessness. "These parties have failed Punjab. They built no schools or colleges, handed over roads to private firms, and allowed mafias to thrive. They even disrespected religious institutions," Mann said. He added, "Punjab doesn't need them—it needs to be saved from them. " Later in the evening, the chief minister addressed ward sabhas in Haibowal and Gopal Nagar. Key Highlights: —Congress defections: Several Congress-affiliated families, including Independent candidate Chandan Chhanaliya, joined AAP ahead of the Ludhiana West bypoll —Prominent joinees: Notable names include educationist Simmi Chopra Pashan, retired police officer Ranbir Singh, and several local Congress leaders from Wards 57, 60, and 73 —CM Bhagwant Mann 's Welcome: Punjab CM formally inducted the new members, saying that their inclusion strengthened AAP's position —Women's participation: Mann praised the significant number of women joining AAP and promised them respect and roles in the party and government. —Educational achievements: Mann highlighted that 44 students from Punjab government schools cleared JEE Advanced with free coaching provided by the state Criticism of opposition: Congress: Accused of internal infighting. BJP: Allegedly "fled the field" and used religious symbolism for political gain. Akali Dal: Blamed for rise in gangsters, drug issues, and misgovernance during their tenure.