In an unprecedented display of political overreach, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal — who was recently rejected by the voters of Delhi in the Assembly elections, is now aggressively interfering in the governance of Punjab, a state where he holds no constitutional post. Despite not being elected from Punjab or holding any formal role in its administration, Kejriwal has been making major political and administrative decisions that should be solely under the jurisdiction of the elected Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann. This interference is not only disrespectful to the office of the Chief Minister but also undermines the democratic will of the people of Punjab.
Recently, Kejriwal reportedly terminated all media personnel attached to the Punjab Chief Minister and even removed CM Mann’s wife’s staff—an action allegedly done without the knowledge or consent of the Chief Minister himself. Kejriwal’s such moves indicate that the real power in Punjab is being exercised from Delhi, not by the elected leadership in Chandigarh. This serious issue raises serious constitutional concerns and sets a dangerous precedent where an individual, rejected by voters and lacking any legal authority in the state, appears to be calling the shots.
What has further shocked the political and bureaucratic circles in Punjab is Kejriwal’s public announcement about appointing Sanjeev Arora as a cabinet minister after his win in the Ludhiana West by-election. Additionally, he has claimed that the Punjab cabinet will be expanded soon. These declarations are clearly beyond his authority and violate the spirit of the Constitution, which assigns such powers exclusively to the Chief Minister of the state, not to an external party leader.
The blatant manner in which Kejriwal is inserting himself into Punjab’s governance machinery is not just an internal party matter — it is a direct attack on federal principles and the autonomy of the state. The Constitution of India does not permit a leader from one state to interfere in the affairs of another state unless he holds a constitutional office that allows him to do so. Kejriwal’s actions are not only inappropriate but legally and ethically questionable. The silence or helplessness of CM Bhagwant Mann in this entire episode also raises questions about the erosion of his authority and independence.
It is high time the people of Punjab, civil society, and the opposition parties demand answers. The Election Commission of India and the Governor of Punjab must also take serious note of this political overreach. Punjab is not a satellite of Delhi; it is a proud and sovereign state within the Indian Union. Allowing this kind of interference undermines democratic values and could lead to long-term consequences for India’s federal structure. If left unchecked, such unconstitutional behavior might become a dangerous norm, damaging the very foundation of India’s democracy