In a resounding victory, the Aam Aadmi Party has triumphed in the Jalandhar by-poll with over 3 lac votes and a margin of over 58,000 in its favour. Reacting to the poll results, AAP National Convenor and Delhi CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal said that the people of Punjab have expressed their contentment and approval of the AAP government’s exemplary work through this historic mandate. This remarkable triumph stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of AAP’s dedicated workers and their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, he said. The AAP Convenor also extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the devoted party workers who have exerted their utmost dedication to secure this election victory. He proclaimed that this triumph symbolises the admiration and recognition of AAP’s relentless work, as it has shattered the long-standing stronghold of the Congress party in Jalandhar, which has prevailed for the past 50-60 years.
The Assembly elections in Jalandhar previously witnessed the Congress party securing five out of the nine seats. However, in this by-poll, the AAP emerged victorious on an impressive seven seats, displaying a remarkable surge in support and popularity. Shri Arvind Kejriwal highlighted that during the state polls, AAP received 42% of the votes, but the support in Jalandhar was comparatively lower at 28%. Today, AAP celebrates a significant increase to 34%, reflecting the growing confidence and trust the people have placed in the party. He further emphasised the AAP’s aspirations to make a substantial impact on the national political landscape, saying that if the people of the country desire, the AAP will soon attain a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Punjab CM Sardar Bhagwant Mann also expressed the party’s enthusiasm following the Jalandhar triumph. He stated that this resounding victory in Jalandhar has propelled AAP to new heights. AAP’s focus now lies in transforming all the cities into vibrant hubs and establishing Punjab as the foremost state in the country, he said. As the AAP celebrates the remarkable victory of its candidate Shri Sushil Rinku, it remains resolute in its commitment to continue working diligently towards the welfare of the people and realising its vision of a prosperous and progressive Punjab.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, expressed his delight over the historic victory of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat elections. Shri Sushil Rinku, the AAP candidate, secured a remarkable victory with a margin of nearly 58,000 votes. Notably, out of the past 60 years, the Congress party has consistently won in this constituency for 50 years. However, the Aam Aadmi Party has shattered this stronghold and emerged victorious in this election.
He further expressed his gratitude to the people of Punjab and Jalandhar for showing their approval of the work done by the Sardar Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. He emphasised that the government formed in Punjab last year faced numerous challenges during its first year. Inherited legacies of mismanagement from previous governments posed obstacles that needed to be addressed. Despite these hurdles, the Aam Aadmi Party government has successfully created a positive environment by tackling these issues head-on. “Our political engagement is solely based on our work, devoid of religious or caste-based politics. We seek votes based on our merit. The overwhelming victory in Jalandhar is a testament to the approval and support of the people, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Punjab and Jalandhar,” he said.
Presenting the statistics of the historic victory, Shri Arvind Kejriwal highlighted that the Aam Aadmi Party won 92 seats in Punjab last year, forming the government with a tremendous wave of support. However, the Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat comprises 9 assembly constituencies. Despite the wave, AAP was only able to win 4 out of the 9 assembly seats, while the Congress secured 5. “The Congress had such a stronghold that even during the assembly elections, amid the Aam Aadmi Party’s wave, they won 5 seats. However, today, the Aam Aadmi Party has triumphed in 7 out of those 9 assembly constituencies. We are slightly behind in Jalandhar Central and North seats. In the previous assembly elections, we garnered 42% of the votes across Punjab. In Jalandhar, we initially received only 28% of the votes, but in this election, it has risen to 34%,” he said.
In the last assembly elections, AAP was in the third position in four assembly seats: Shahkot, Adampur, Phillaur, and Jalandhar North. However, AAP has now emerged victorious in 3 out of these 4 seats and secured the second position in one seat. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, AAP received a mere 2.5% of the votes in the Jalandhar seat, but today AAP has achieved an impressive 34% of the votes.
Shri Arvind Kejriwal also mentioned that the BJP had fielded Charanjit Singh Atwal’s son as their candidate, while the Congress had chosen Late Santokh Singh Chaudhary’s wife. “The people of Punjab have rejected dynastic politics by defeating both candidates and instead voted for a politics based on work and performance,” he said.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party had four seats, but in 2019, it was reduced to only one seat. However, not a single Lok Sabha seat was left with AAP when its sitting MP Sardar Bhagwant Mann resigned and became the Chief Minister of Punjab. Today, the Aam Aadmi Party has gained a seat in the Lok Sabha, marking its presence in the national political arena. “If the people of the country desire, the AAP may even achieve a majority in the Lok Sabha in the near future. The AAP has now become a recognized national party, having established its presence in all political spheres, including the Lok Sabha,” Shri Arvind Kejriwal added.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Mann highlighted the public’s endorsement of the AAP’s work culture, honesty, and commitment to inclusive politics. He noted that the success of initiatives like the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics and the provision of zero-bill electricity to Punjab residents paved the way for this electoral victory.
He celebrated the party’s nationwide presence, with a substantial number of MLAs and MPs across various state assemblies, the Rajya Sabha, and now the Lok Sabha. This victory marks AAP’s re-entry to the Lok Sabha, he said.
He expressed gratitude to AAP’s supporters and said that the people’s verdict marks a shift towards positive and constructive politics. He also thanked the people of Jalandhar for their trust and support and reaffirmed AAP’s commitment to championing their aspirations in Parliament. Sardar Bhagwant Mann pledged to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to his party by the people of Jalandhar within 10-11 months, aiming to make Jalandhar and Punjab shine as beacons of progress and development.
The Punjab CM also noted the unity displayed by opposing parties against the AAP during the campaign but noted that their collective efforts were in vain against the overwhelming support for the AAP. He appealed for a departure from mudslinging and personal attacks in politics, emphasising the electorate’s priorities, i.e., education, employment, affordable electricity, and accessible healthcare.
Reflecting on the election results, Punjab CM Sardar Bhagwant Mann highlighted the significance of the public’s positive endorsement of the work done by AAP’s nearly 14-month-old government in Punjab. He echoed the sentiments expressed by the party’s supremo, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, and stated that the Aam Aadmi Party stands firm in its commitment to politics free from religious and caste divisions. He said that the party’s vision, demonstrated through the establishment of 580 Mohalla Clinics, popularly known as Aam Aadmi Clinics, resonated strongly with the people of Punjab.
Moreover, the Punjab CM underscored the party’s focus on vital issues such as education, showcasing the School of Eminence, which received immense support from voters. He said that the initiative to provide zero-bill electricity to the residents of Punjab garnered great attention, with the government successfully clearing the entire annual power subsidy bill of Rs 20,200 crore to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
He also stressed how discussing AAP’s vision for infrastructure development with the public, as well as engaging with traders, farmers, labourers, and marginalised sections of society, helped foster an environment of belief in the future. He said, “AAP’s dedication to the welfare of all citizens resonated with the electorate. This surge of support for positive and constructive politics signifies a remarkable shift in public sentiment.”
Reflecting on the party’s incredible journey, Sardar Bhagwant Mann credited the vision and determination of National Convenor Shri Arvind Kejriwal, he said, “It started in Delhi, where earlier we won 28 seats, then 67 seats, and now we have 63 seats in support of AAP. The convoy that began with Shri Arvind Kejriwal from Ramlila Maidan has transformed into a formidable force, propelling us to the status of a national party.”
With an impressive presence in various state assemblies and the national parliament, the Aam Aadmi Party has firmly established its footprint across the country. The emergence of the AAP as a national party has created an unparalleled impact on the political landscape with the party’s presence and contribution to all constitutional legislative institutions. “AAP currently had 92 MLAs in the Punjab legislative assembly, 63 MLAs in the Delhi Assembly, 5 MLAs in the Gujarat assembly, and 2 MLAs in the Goa assembly. In addition, we have 10 Members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, and now, with this remarkable victory, we have one MP in the Lok Sabha,” added Sardar Bhagwant Mann.
Sardar Bhagwant Mann called the historic win “a testament to the tireless dedication and unwavering spirit of the AAP team and our selfless volunteers, who invest their own resources to support us and create monumental roadshows that showcase our strength.” He also acknowledged and thanked the relentless efforts of the party’s national convener, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, who dedicated considerable time and energy to the Punjab campaign during joint road shows with Punjab CM Sardar Bhagwant Mann as well as during his individual visits to Punjab to garner support and appeal for votes.
“From the depths of my heart, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those who have shown us respect, showered us with flowers, and honoured us with invitations during the campaign. The gestures of kindness and recognition from the people of Jalandhar towards AAP are deeply appreciated, and they have bolstered our spirits and reaffirmed our commitment to serving the people with utmost dedication,” he added.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Mann also addressed those who resorted to abusive language, objectionable personal remarks, and baseless allegations against AAP leaders during the campaign. Extending his good wishes, he also urged them to reconsider their approach. He said that such tactics have become outdated and no longer hold sway over the discerning public. The focus of the people, he noted, lies in securing quality education for their children, employment opportunities, affordable electricity bills, and accessible healthcare for the elderly.
He highlighted the urgent need for a shift in the political landscape, urging even those who have been misled to change their stance. He emphasised that the market for mudslinging and personal attacks is rapidly diminishing, while the demand for politics centred around development and progress is on the rise.
Sardar Bhagwant Mann stressed the significance of the AAP’s resounding win in Jalandhar and the subsequent responsibility it brings. He stated, “I will say the same thing today that I said after Shri Arvind Kejriwal entrusted me with the post of Chief Minister of Punjab after the party’s landslide victory of 92 seats.” Emphasising the importance of humility in success, he continued, “We should not be too proud after winning. Now our responsibility is even bigger, so we have to work even harder.”
He thanked the people of Jalandhar for showing immense faith and trust in the AAP and granting them a monumental victory. He noted that AAP’s glorious vision has ignited a spark of hope and aspirations within the region. Acknowledging this sentiment, Sardar Bhagwant Mann expressed his commitment to carrying out the mandate entrusted to him and his party by the people of Jalandhar.
The Punjab CM reaffirmed the AAP’s strategic vision to make Jalandhar shine and propel Punjab to become the epitome of excellence for the entire nation. He said, “This victory sets the stage as we march forward towards our ultimate aim—Rangla Punjab’ or Vibrant Punjab. This vision encapsulates our collective aspirations to make our state shine with prosperity, diversity, and progress. Now, our full focus will be on making Jalandhar and other Punjab cities shine and making our state the number one state at the forefront of progress and development in India.”
Expressing his elation at the victory, he said, “When we emerged victorious today, my spirits soared to new heights. Alongside Shri Arvind Kejriwal during our roadshows, we assured the people of Jalandhar of our commitment to delivering tangible progress in the next 10–11 months, surpassing all expectations before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Jalandhar witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with approximately 8.5 lakh people exercising their democratic right to vote. The victory, with a resounding margin of almost 60,000 votes, signifies a clear endorsement of the AAP’s vision for inclusive governance and transformative change. The massive participation and the resounding verdict of the Jalandhar by-poll showcase the trust and faith reposed in the AAP by the electorate, who have spoken unequivocally for a better and more progressive future.”
Sardar Bhagwant Mann added, “We accept this as our responsibility, and we will try our best to live up to the expectations of Jalandhar. Our MP, Shri Sushil Kumar Rinku, and we will work tirelessly to such an extent that we won’t even have to plead for votes in the future. It is my firm belief that we will resoundingly echo the voice of Jalandhar and Punjab in Parliament, championing their aspirations.”
He stressed that the magnitude of the AAP’s triumph becomes even more significant when considering the unity displayed by all the other contesting parties. He said, “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Congress, all joined forces in an attempt to thwart AAP’s surge.”
He aptly pointed out that while their press conferences may have been distinct, the content of the other parties remained largely identical, resorting to the same abuses against AAP. “However, their collective efforts proved futile against the overwhelming support garnered by the AAP. The people rejected them and have issued a decree to the Aam Aadmi Party government applauding its work culture and honesty,” he concluded.
