In a surprising turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Anmol Gagan Mann’s brief political exit has turned into a dramatic U-turn within 24 hours. Mann, who had announced her resignation from politics and stepped down as the MLA of Kharar, witnessed her resignation being promptly rejected by the party leadership on Sunday, setting off a wave of political intrigue and speculation.
The announcement was made public by AAP Punjab unit president Aman Arora, who took to social media to convey that he had met Mann in a “family atmosphere” and convinced her to remain with the party. “Today, I met @AnmolGaganMann in a family atmosphere. The party decided to reject her resignation as an MLA, which she accepted. We asked her to continue working together for the progress of the party and the constituency. Anmol was, is and will remain a part of the family of @ArvindKejriwal ji and @AamAadmiParty,” Arora stated on X (formerly Twitter), in Punjabi.
The unfolding events have ignited political chatter across Punjab, with many questioning the internal dynamics of AAP. Mann’s sudden announcement of political retirement had left both her supporters and critics stunned, as she had been one of the more vocal and visible faces of the party in Punjab, previously serving as a minister in the Bhagwant Mann government. Her emotional departure hinted at underlying discontent or pressure, although she chose to remain silent on the specific reasons.
However, within hours, the party’s top leadership stepped in to patch things up, showcasing unity and attempting to maintain an image of internal cohesion. Insiders suggest that high-level persuasion and assurances were offered to Mann, which led to her agreeing to continue in her role as Kharar MLA.
This sequence of resignation, rejection, and re-acceptance has exposed the fragility and theatrical nature of party politics, especially in a state like Punjab where AAP has been struggling to manage internal dissent and criticism. Political observers are closely watching whether this incident leads to a reshuffling within the party, or if it simply gets buried under public gestures of reconciliation.
While the public drama seems to have been paused for now, Anmol Gagan Mann’s brief exit has raised important questions about the internal management and emotional strain faced by party leaders. Whether this was a genuine emotional outburst or a strategic political manoeuvre, only time will tell. But for now, Mann remains an MLA, and AAP breathes a sigh of relief—albeit temporarily.