Established in 2012, AAP gained significant attention for its anti-corruption movement led by social activist Arvind Kejriwal and others. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), translated as the Common Man's Party, is a relatively new political party in India compared to the other parties.
The party's philosophy revolves around participatory governance and aims to address the everyday issues faced by the common people. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and decentralization of power. The party's symbol is a broom, symbolizing its commitment to clean up the existing political system.
AAP made a significant impact in its early years, winning a surprising number of seats in the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly election and forming the government with support from the Indian National Congress. However, this government lasted only 49 days, leading to criticism and questions about the party's ability to govern effectively.
Despite this setback, AAP made a strong comeback in the 2015 Delhi elections, winning a historic landslide victory and securing 67 out of 70 seats. This victory established AAP as a major political force in Delhi. The party focused on improving education, healthcare, and public services during its tenure.
Arvind Kejriwal, the party's national convener, became the Chief Minister of Delhi and has been known for his innovative policies and direct engagement with the public through initiatives like "Janta ki Cabinet" (People's Cabinet) and "Delhi Samvaad" (Delhi Dialogue).
AAP has also expanded its presence beyond Delhi, contesting elections in other states, though with varying degrees of success.
Opposition parties within the INDIA bloc and broader regional outfits are stepping up consultations to formulate a coordinated strategy demanding the resignation and criminal proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Top leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi, have held discussions regarding allegations of voter data and procedural inconsistencies in recent assembly elections. Efforts are underway to organise a joint meeting followed by an opposition media briefing to formalise their campaign. Parties including the Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and regional groups are being approached to form an expanded front. Concurrently, public demonstration ultimatums have been issued demanding institutional accountability. NDA allies have also underscored the importance of institutional transparency, urging the Election Commission of India to publicly clarify concerns and uphold public trust in democratic electoral processes.
The Congress party has escalated its attack on the Election Commission of India over changes introduced to Form 6, which is required for new voter registration. Alleging that alterations were made without statutory notification or required rule amendments under the Representation of the People Act, the party argued that the Chief Election Commissioner lacked the power to amend the form. Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, citing barriers created for first-time young voters. Concurrently, broader consultations have begun among opposition outfits under an expanded front. Archrivals Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held telephonic talks, with Mamata Banerjee and M.A. Baby discussing joint opposition action and nationwide campaigns. Outfits including the Aam Aadmi Party, Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and DMK have also been approached to build a common platform against alleged commission irregularities.
An Enforcement Directorate team faced violent protests while conducting searches at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office in Mohali. A vehicle utilised by the central probe agency was attacked and damaged outside the GMADA office, resulting in deflated tyres and broken window panes. The incident took place during an agitation by Aam Aadmi Party workers against ongoing searches linked to allegations of money laundering, due waivers, and change-of-land-use violations. Protesters reportedly breached police barricades and entered the premises before local police led by Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma dispersed the gathering. An unnamed protester accused the central government and the probe agency of running a political vendetta ahead of upcoming elections, alleging that external miscreants carried out the vandalism. Meanwhile, a habeas corpus petition was filed in the High Court claiming illegal detention of civic body officials during the searches.
Enforcement Directorate officials are conducting raids at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office in Mohali as part of a probe into allegations of money laundering, change of land use, and waiver of dues. In response, Aam Aadmi Party workers staged demonstrations outside the GMADA premises, waving black flags and shouting slogans against the central agency. Protesters alleged the central agency is being weaponised against the state government ahead of elections in Punjab. The agency's ongoing operation in the state also included searches at a government house in Sector 39 in Chandigarh and at the residence of a relative of Punjab Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, escalating political friction across the state.
The opposition has launched an attack against the Election Commission of India following reports of internal dissent over modifications made to Form Six during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Letters and objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over the legality and procedural validity of changes to voter registration forms were highlighted by opposition leaders, who alleged institutional overreach and disregard for constitutional processes. The Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and Trinamool Congress have targeted the poll body, questioning the decision-making process led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In response, the Election Commission issued a joint statement affirming institutional unity, clarifying that while differences of opinion naturally arise during discussions, final decisions regarding the rollout of the revision exercise across the country were taken unanimously. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party maintained silence on the row as scrutiny around the poll panel continues.
Opposition parties have intensified attacks against the Election Commission of India following reports of internal dissent by Election Commissioners regarding administrative procedures and Form 6 changes. Opposition leaders alleged constitutional lapses and claimed written objections were raised multiple times over several months without resolution. In response, the Election Commission released a joint statement clarifying that discussions and differences of opinion naturally occur during deliberations, but all final decisions, including the rollout of the nationwide exercise, were taken unanimously by the Chief Election Commissioner and both Election Commissioners. The Commission stressed that its members remain united in ensuring every eligible citizen can cast their vote. While parties like Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and TMC continue to question the poll body's functioning, the Bharatiya Janata Party has remained quiet on the recent political developments.
The Election Commission of India has issued a clarification denying reports of an internal rift regarding the Special Intensive Revision exercise, maintaining that there was no formal dissent recorded and that approvals were unanimous. Despite the clarification, the controversy has triggered a major political confrontation. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party, have questioned the process, raising concerns over alleged dissent notes by other election commissioners and citing the deletion of over six crore voter names during roll revisions. The opposition has also alleged arbitrary actions and centralization of electoral rolls, demanding strict accountability and legal action against the Chief Election Commissioner. Meanwhile, the ruling party ministers maintain that the revision process remains unbiased, pointing out that notices were served across party lines to verify voter records as scrutiny continues.
A man named Jagga Singh allegedly consumed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Punjab's Sangrur district, alleging administrative inaction against local drug peddling. The victim stated he faced threats and assault after posting videos highlighting the drug menace in his village, while the police allegedly ignored his complaints. The incident ignited sharp attacks from the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal against the Bhagwant Mann-led government, accusing it of failing to tackle the drug mafia and harassing whistleblowers. Meanwhile, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party dismissed the accusations, pointing out that the individual faced several FIRs, including cases under the NDPS Act.
An anti-drug activist, Jagga Singh, allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison outside a government office in Sangrur, Punjab. This marks the second such incident in the home turf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, following the death by suicide of another activist, Gulzar Singh. Jagga Singh claimed he faced persistent harassment and threats from Aam Aadmi Party workers after posting videos raising concerns about the drug menace in the state. The incident has triggered a political confrontation, with opposition parties Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party attacking the ruling AAP government. The opposition accused the state leadership of failing to deliver on its promise of a drug-free Punjab and attempting to silence citizens raising their voices against illicit drugs.
The Election Commission of India has issued Special Intensive Revision notices to several high-profile figures across the national capital, sparking concerns over the verification procedure. Those flagged for discrepancies include a sitting Union Cabinet Minister, a former Army Chief, the Central Bureau of Investigation Director, former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, Communist Party of India (Marxist) Member of Parliament John Britas, Congress leader Udit Raj, and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Discrepancies leading to these notices include names being unmapped with previous electoral rolls, name mismatches, and parental age inconsistencies. Aam Aadmi Party leaders and affected individuals have raised questions about data collection errors by booth-level officers. With Delhi voters required to justify their positions before upcoming deadlines ahead of the final electoral roll publication scheduled for November 4, 2026, the sweeping notices across political, judicial, and security circles have become a major administrative and political flashpoint.
High drama unfolded in Ludhiana after BJP leader Ravneet Bittu was detained for allegedly throwing eggs, tomatoes, and an alcohol bottle at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's convoy outside Punjab Agricultural University. According to Bittu's team, the leader has been placed under house arrest at his residence in Ludhiana, with police barring him from communicating with anyone. The protest reportedly followed an earlier incident in Batala where Bittu alleged that Aam Aadmi Party workers hurled eggs and tomatoes at his vehicle while he was travelling towards Pathankot.
Political tensions escalated in Punjab after high drama unfolded in Ludhiana outside the Punjab Agricultural University gate during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's visit. Demonstrations followed an earlier incident near Batala during a BJP yatra where cavalcade vehicles were reportedly targeted. After being detained for over an hour by the Punjab Police, the protesting leader was released and dropped off at his residence. Following the release, sharp allegations were raised against the Aam Aadmi Party government and the police, asserting that detention and police cases cannot suppress public voices and that the fight against the ruling administration will continue as the state heads towards assembly elections.
Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravneet Singh Bittu alleged that his convoy was attacked near Batala in Punjab while he was en route to Pathankot for a party yatra. Bittu stated that his cavalcade was pelted with eggs and damaged by individuals allegedly affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party. He accused local MLA Sherry of dispatching individuals to obstruct his movement and claimed security personnel apprehended three people at the site. Bittu urged an immediate investigation and asserted that the Punjab Chief Minister and the Director General of Police would be held accountable for any security breaches.
Former Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu claimed that his cavalcade was attacked in Punjab near Batala while he was travelling to Pathankot for the party's Nasha Mukt Yatra. According to details, tomatoes and eggs were thrown at his convoy amid confrontations between political workers. Bittu alleged that individuals linked to the Aam Aadmi Party carried out the attack and accused the Punjab Police of turning a blind eye and failing to facilitate his movement. He stated that his security team apprehended three individuals and warned that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state Director General of Police would be held responsible if anything happened to his safety. Bittu further declared plans to apprise the Union Home Ministry of the incident and demanded an immediate investigation into the security lapse.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought a status report from the Punjab Police regarding the ongoing investigation into the suicide of Gulzar Singh. The direction came during the hearing of a public interest litigation seeking the transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Gulzar Singh, a resident of Tur Banjara village in the Dirba constituency, had died by suicide after raising concerns over drug abuse affecting his family and questioning Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. While a Special Investigation Team was earlier constituted by the state police to probe the matter, opposition parties have mounted sharp criticism against the Bhagwant Mann-led administration over the exclusion of the minister from the initial First Information Report. The High Court observed the need to ensure a proper investigation while seeking clarity on the progress made so far.
The Aam Aadmi Party and the Goa Forward Party have announced a pre-poll alliance named 'Goa First' for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal stated that the alliance offers a non-BJP, non-Congress alternative to voters, adding that both parties are equal partners and expressing confidence in forming the next government. The Congress responded by rejecting the pitch as an old narrative, alleging that Arvind Kejriwal functions as the 'Team B' of the BJP.
A deepening power crisis in Punjab has severely impacted industries and agriculture, causing an estimated loss of 100 crore rupees to industrial units in the Mohali hub. Factory owners reported receiving only 12 hours of electricity instead of the required 24 hours, alongside frequent unscheduled cuts that severely disrupted manufacturing operations, supply timelines, and machine-dependent processes. The crisis has triggered a sharp political confrontation, with opposition parties including the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress staging protests against the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government. In response to mounting pressure from industrialists and farmers, the Punjab government initiated administrative changes, transferring senior IAS officer Basant Garg and appointing IAS officer Gurkirat Kirpal Singh as the Chief Managing Director of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. State authorities have stated that regular supply measures are being restored.
A massive political confrontation has erupted in Punjab following the death of Gulzar Singh, who had questioned Finance Minister Harpal Cheema regarding the state's rampant drug crisis.
A massive political confrontation has erupted in Punjab following the death of Gulzar Singh, who had questioned Finance Minister Harpal Cheema regarding the state's rampant drug crisis. Opposition parties, including the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal, have targeted the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government after allegations surfaced that Gulzar took Cheema's name in his dying declaration and that his body was forcibly cremated under heavy police presence. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders demanded Cheema's resignation and questioned his absence from the FIR. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes also stepped in to meet the victim's family. While AAP defended the government by asserting that prompt action was taken against named drug peddlers and claimed the accusations were part of a false narrative created by opposition parties, the BJP and Congress alleged widespread intimidation of citizens raising anti-drug concerns across Punjab ahead of the upcoming elections.
A debate on the escalating political controversy in Punjab surrounding the drug menace and the death of Gulzar Singh, who reportedly left a dying declaration naming Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Shashivir Sharma asserted that the victim made the accusation under pressure in a second video and highlighted that a Special Investigation Team has been formed. Opposing this stance, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh argued that a dying declaration is sacrosanct and cited growing public distress over drug cartels in Punjab villages. Meanwhile, Congress National Spokesperson Gautam Seth demanded the resignation of the state finance minister to enable a fair probe, accusing the government of state-sponsored intimidation and institutional failure ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections.
