Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday evening, where he was received by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in the state, including Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi, MLAs Gopal Italia and Chaitar Vasava, State Organization General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, and State Chief Spokesperson Dr. Karan Barot, along with a large number of party office bearers and workers.
During his visit, Chief Minister Mann offered condolences following the tragic death of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. “We pray to God that the departed soul attains peace, and we pay our condolences to him,” Mann said while addressing the media.
Speaking about the party’s growth in Gujarat, Mann noted that public meetings and programs were being conducted both in villages and major cities.
“At present, our party’s organization in Gujarat has been built very strongly. Based on the environment we have seen so far, it is clear that the people of Gujarat want something new,” he said.
Referring to the recent municipal election results, Mann added, “The grand victory of Gopal Italia from Visavadar, that too by a large margin, is a very positive signal for the Aam Aadmi Party, and we will work with even more effort.”
Mann also highlighted the success of the AAP’s governance models in Delhi and Punjab, particularly in healthcare and education. “The healthcare and education model of Arvind Kejriwal has been successfully implemented in Delhi and Punjab, and in the same way, we will take it to every household in Gujarat as well,” he said.
On the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Mann called for transparency from the Election Commission. “If any political party—whether a national party or a state-level party—has any kind of objection or doubt, then the Election Commission should itself come forward and provide clarification. The Election Commission should not impose conditions like ‘apologize within 72 hours’ or issue pressure-driven instructions, but should conduct a transparent and credible investigation of the entire process and provide satisfactory answers to the public,” he said.
Mann further warned, “If fake voters continue to be created through SIR, then how will democracy survive? This is a dangerous situation for democracy.”
Addressing educational concerns, Mann said, “Regarding the UGC issue, it conducts major universities and large-scale examinations. My clear stand is that if there are objections on any issue—whether it concerns educational institutions, the Election Commission, or any other constitutional body—it is their responsibility to provide clarification and satisfaction.”
Mann also spoke about Punjab’s historical contributions and administrative concerns. “Punjab has been at the forefront among the states that have made the highest sacrifices for the country. When the country needed food grains, Punjab’s farmers carried out the Green Revolution and filled the nation’s grain reserves. Despite this, Punjab does not have its own capital even today. Chandigarh, which is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, actually rightfully belongs to Punjab,” he said.
Mann further highlighted the absence of a separate High Court in Punjab, pointing out that “case pendency has increased significantly and the system is under heavy burden. In today’s time, there should not be any state that does not have its own capital. Chandigarh is Punjab’s capital and should remain Punjab’s capital.”