Chandigarh-The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) expresses deep concern over the continued interference of Delhi-based Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the affairs of Punjab, despite neither of them holding any constitutional or elected office in the state. This growing pattern of indirect control and administrative influence not only undermines the democratic mandate of the people of Punjab but also raises serious concerns about the misuse of Punjab’s public funds and the erosion of federal principles enshrined in the Constitution of India.
It is unacceptable that Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi, and former Minister Manish Sisodia, who resigned from all posts following his arrest in the Delhi liquor policy scam, are allowed to play a shadow role in Punjab’s governance. From attending cabinet-style meetings to issuing policy directions, their involvement has gone far beyond political guidance and entered the realm of direct interference. Such practices disrespect the sanctity of Punjab’s democratic institutions and reduce the elected state government to a puppet administration run remotely from Delhi.
Adding insult to injury, reports have emerged that Punjab’s exchequer is being burdened with the cost of their repeated visits. Expenses related to travel, accommodation, security, event management, and government resources are being used for individuals who hold no legal or constitutional authority in Punjab. Taxpayer money, meant for the development of Punjab, is instead being used to serve the political interests of outsiders. This blatant misuse of public funds is both unethical and potentially illegal.
The case of Manish Sisodia is particularly troubling. Despite facing serious allegations of corruption and being under investigation, he was previously entrusted with overseeing Punjab’s education policies and inspecting schools. What authority did he have to do so? On what basis was a person under a legal cloud allowed to dictate policies in a state where he was never elected or appointed? Punjab is not a laboratory for political experiments, nor a refuge for leaders in legal trouble.
This growing trend of Delhi’s remote control over Punjab must be challenged and condemned. The people of Punjab gave AAP a clear and historic mandate in 2022, expecting local leadership and solutions grounded in Punjab’s realities. Instead, they are witnessing a dangerous centralization of power in Delhi, with CM Bhagwant Mann appearing to play second fiddle to the party’s high command. This raises alarming questions about who is truly running the state.
NAPA urges the people of Punjab, civil society, media, and judiciary to take serious note of this unconstitutional overreach. We specifically appeal to the Punjab & Haryana High Court to take suo moto cognizance of this matter and investigate how public money is being spent on non-elected, non-accountable individuals. Transparency and accountability must prevail, and the dignity of Punjab must be preserved.
In conclusion, Punjab must be governed by Punjabis — not by political bosses from Delhi. The North American Punjabi Association will continue to raise its voice on international platforms to highlight this undemocratic trend. Punjab is not for sale, and its sovereignty is not up for compromise.