Speculation rises over Arvind Kejriwal’s potential Rajya Sabha entry following his Delhi election defeat.
New Delhi: There is growing speculation that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal may be planning a shift to the Rajya Sabha through Punjab. This follows his devastating defeat at the hands of BJP leader Parvesh Verma in the New Delhi Assembly seat, raising questions about Kejriwal’s political future and potential next steps. Given that AAP holds a majority in the Punjab Assembly, securing a Rajya Sabha seat from the state could be a strategic move to maintain his presence in national politics.
Speculation gained momentum earlier this week when AAP nominated its Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjeev Arora, to contest the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll. Following this decision, rumors intensified that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal might replace Arora in the Upper House, especially after his recent electoral defeat resulted in the loss of his Delhi Assembly membership.
Earlier this week, AAP officially announced that Arora would contest the Ludhiana West by-election, necessitated by the passing of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi last month. Notably, Arora was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in 2022 for a six-year term ending in 2028. If he resigns from Parliament to contest the state elections, his vacant Rajya Sabha seat could potentially pave the way for Kejriwal’s entry into the Upper House.
Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has added fuel to the ongoing speculation, alleging that Arvind Kejriwal is actively seeking a route into the Rajya Sabha through Punjab. According to Bajwa, Kejriwal is attempting to retain political power despite his recent electoral defeat in Delhi. For this to happen, certain AAP Rajya Sabha members may be compelled to step down to clear a path for him.
Bajwa further claimed that internal fractures are emerging within AAP in the aftermath of its Delhi debacle, where several key leaders suffered losses. He suggested that discontent is brewing among party members, leading to potential instability. Additionally, Bajwa asserted that he is in touch with multiple AAP MLAs who are allegedly contemplating switching parties. If these claims hold any truth, they could indicate a deeper crisis within AAP, possibly impacting its unity and future strategies.
However, AAP’s chief national spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, dismissed the speculation, stating, “Kejriwal is not going to Rajya Sabha. Earlier, media sources claimed he would become the Chief Minister of Punjab, and now they are suggesting he will contest for a Rajya Sabha seat. Both these claims are entirely false.”
She further emphasised that Arvind Kejriwal, as the national convenor of AAP, is not confined to any single seat or position.
“I agree that there is a high demand for his leadership, but he is not limited to any one seat,” Kakkar added, refuting reports about his potential Rajya Sabha entry.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “Whoever is nominated to the Rajya Sabha is most welcome. There is nothing illegal in this. Was Dr Manmohan Singh not sent from some other state?” the AAP leader asked.
A senior party leader, while ruling out Kejriwal’s nomination, said there are several others in the party who could be considered.
“No decision has been taken so far but names are being discussed,” the leader added.