Punjab By-Polls: CM Bhagwant Mann Calls For New AAP President; Shiromani Akal Dal Sits Out, Focuses On SGPC Elections

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called for the appointment of a new state president for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of assembly by-elections for four seats in the state.

Mann is the current president of AAP's Punjab unit. However, citing his responsibilities as a CM, he said that a full-time appointment would help strengthen the party's organisational structure.

"As CM, I manage over a dozen departments which is a significant responsibility, while also dedicating myself fully to my duties as state president. A new president will allow each leader to focus on their role effectively," he said.

The statement comes ahead of the 13 November by-polls. The AAP declared all four candidates on 20 October, giving tickets to two new faces in Chhabbewal and Barnala.

In Dera Baba Nanak, it has fielded Gurdeep Singh Randhawa again, who came third in the 2022 assembly election. In Gidderbaha, it has fielded a former Shirmoni Akali Dal (SAD) leader.

Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, contesting on the SAD ticket, lost by a margin of over 1,000 votes to Congress Punjab President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring in 2022. The AAP has fielded Dhillon this time.

Meanwhile, the SAD has decided not to contest the by-polls marking an unprecedented retreat. The contest will be three-cornered between the AAP, Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The SAD is preoccupied with Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) presidential elections. The SAD has fielded sitting president Harjinder Singh Dhami against former president Bibi Jagir Kaur.