States » NorthPosted at: Oct 31 2026 6:12PM


Pargat Singh questions AAP's commitment to women and clean politics over Punjab poll list

Chandigarh, Oct 31 (UNI) Congress leader Pargat Singh on Saturday accused Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of betraying its promises of women's empowerment and clean politics after only four women figured in its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Singh said the candidate selection had exposed contradictions between AAP's public commitments and its political decisions, while also raising questions about internal leadership and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's influence over ticket distribution.
"Only four women among 40 candidates; where has AAP's promise of women's respect gone?" Singh asked, describing the 10% representation as evidence of the party's failure to promote women in electoral politics.
The Congress leader said a party that repeatedly advocated equal opportunities for women should explain why they had received such limited representation in its initial list.
Singh also questioned AAP's decision to nominate Sanjeev Arora from Ludhiana West despite his reported incarceration in connection with a money laundering case.
He said the decision undermined AAP's claims of maintaining high ethical standards and fighting corruption.
"The very party that came to power in the name of fighting corruption is now backing a leader facing serious allegations and controversies," Singh said.
The allegations against Arora remain subject to judicial proceedings, and his nomination does not imply guilt.
Singh further criticised AAP for not announcing a candidate from Mansa, linking the omission to protests demanding justice in the Parminder Singh Jhota case.
He alleged that the ruling party was reluctant to face public anger over the controversy and questioned whether the constituency had been deliberately excluded from the first announcement.
The Congress leader also pointed to the absence of Punjab AAP president Aman Arora and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema from the list, suggesting that their omission reflected uncertainty within the party's leadership.
However, AAP has yet to announce candidates for the remaining 77 constituencies, and the absence of their names from the first list does not necessarily indicate that they will be denied tickets.
Singh also questioned the selection of Ajitpal Singh from Patiala Urban, claiming Mann had failed to secure the nomination for a close media adviser.
He said the development raised questions about the Chief Minister's authority in the party's candidate selection process. The claim regarding the adviser's candidature could not be independently verified.
AAP's first list, meanwhile, retains sitting legislators, including Mann from Dhuri and Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan from Kotkapura. Party leaders have said the selection was based on surveys and assessments of public support.
Singh said the 2027 elections would force AAP to defend its record on governance, transparency and political accountability after more than four years in power.
He maintained that the ruling party would ultimately be judged by its performance rather than its promises, warning that its candidate selection had already provided the opposition with fresh political ammunition.
UNI NB
Tags: #Pargat Singh questions AAP's commitment to women and clean politics over Punjab poll list
More News

Indira Gandhi, Sardar Patel made invaluable contributions to nation-building: Himachal CM

31 Oct 2026 | 6:52 PM

Shimla, Oct 31 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary and recalled the kcontributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth planniversary, saying both leaders played an unparalleled role in strengthening the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

see more..

Himachal : Five killed, one injured as vehicle plunges into gorge in Shimla district

31 Oct 2026 | 6:45 PM

Shimla, Oct 31 (UNI) Five people, including a mother and her son, were killed and another sustained serious injuries after a vehicle plunged into a deep gorge near Daroti village in the Tikker area of Shimla district on Saturday morning, police said.

see more..

Rare birds smuggler held in Lucknow; Seven rare falcons recovered

31 Oct 2026 | 6:42 PM

Lucknow, Oct 31 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a member of a gang involved in smuggling rare birds in Lucknow. Seven rare falcons were recovered from him, estimated to be of high value and much sought after in the international market.

see more..

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is witnessing a new era of development: Yogi Adityanath

31 Oct 2026 | 6:34 PM

Varanasi, Oct 31(UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that Kashi holds a special place as the karmabhoomi of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that India is witnessing a transformation under his leadership.

see more..

Omar Abdullah marries journalist Nidhi Razdan

31 Oct 2026 | 6:34 PM

Srinagar, Oct 31 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has married senior journalist Nidhi Razdan, the couple announced on Saturday.

see more..