The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s decision to field Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West assembly by-election has sparked speculation about a possible reshuffling in the party’s leadership structure. The buzz is centered around the idea that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who recently lost his membership of the Delhi Assembly, could replace Arora in the Rajya Sabha. While AAP has denied such rumors, insiders suggest that discussions are taking place behind the scenes regarding this potential shift.
Arora, a businessman who was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, is currently serving a tenure that extends until 2028. However, under the law, an individual cannot simultaneously hold two offices—if Arora wins the bypoll and wishes to continue as an MLA, he would have to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat. This could create an opening for Kejriwal to step in, allowing him to return to the national stage after his recent political setback in Delhi. The AAP leadership, while officially distancing itself from this speculation, appears to be laying the groundwork for such a scenario, given Kejriwal’s diminishing influence in Delhi and his continued focus on national politics.
Arora’s announcement accepting the Ludhiana West ticket came in an online post that notably did not mention Kejriwal by name, a subtle but telling omission. Arora expressed his gratitude to the party leadership but refrained from making any reference to Kejriwal, who is still considered the party’s face despite his electoral loss in Delhi. This absence of acknowledgment raises questions about Arora’s political positioning within AAP and his relationship with Kejriwal.
The timing of Arora’s candidacy is also noteworthy. Punjab, where AAP has a growing influence, now appears to be the most logical stage for Kejriwal to regain some political ground after losing control in Delhi. Arora’s potential win in the bypoll could be a key move in strengthening AAP’s presence in Punjab while giving Kejriwal the chance to make a comeback at the national level through the Rajya Sabha. Speculation also suggests that should Arora win, he could be elevated to a ministerial role in the Punjab government, a reward for stepping aside to make room for Kejriwal.
The political chess game unfolding in the AAP suggests that the party may be preparing for a major reshuffle, with Kejriwal potentially aiming for a more prominent role at the national level. His recent resignation from the Delhi Chief Minister position has left him without a formal political base in the city, and his move towards Punjab could be part of a larger strategy to reclaim national relevance. Whether or not this shift happens will depend on how the party navigates its internal dynamics and whether it can keep its leadership transition seamless.
In this ever-evolving political drama, Arora’s role is pivotal, but the real story lies in the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that could once again see Kejriwal at the helm of national politics, this time through the Rajya Sabha.
