The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has crossed the majority number of 59 in Punjab as counting for Punjab Election continues on Thursday. The counting of votes for the recently held 117-seat Punjab election 2022 began at 8 am today (March 10, 2022). Punjab went for polling on February 20, 2022.
According to the election commission’s official website,
|
Total seats
|
Congress
|
AAP
|
Akali
|
BJP+
|
Other
|
|
117
|
16
|
89
|
7
|
4
|
1
|
It seems that the Aam Aadmi Party is all set to make history and storm into power in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann is leading from Dhuri District. According to the Exit Polls, AAP may emerge as the single largest party in Punjab and this prediction will become true as per the initial trends.
Soon, AAP will register its historic win in Punjab. But this win will bring great challenges for them.
Funding for Kejriwal’s freebies
Before elections, Arvind Kejriwal made big promises. The party had a head-start in announcing freebies by promising ₹1,000 per month to women, free power, free medical treatment, and free education. In his public rallies, Kejriwal tried to woo the Dalits and the middle-class with promises of subsidies - jobs, free electricity and water. Even a world-class stadium and an international stadium are on the cards.
This requires huge funding of nearly ₹ 25,000 crores. From where, he will arrange this money? States economic position is already not that good and there’s no chance of getting any assistance from the Central government. This imposes a big challenge for AAP.
Dugs and Sacrilege issues
The two prominent issues in Punjab are Drugs and Sacrilege. Earlier, all the parties promised they will bring the culprits to book but all the accused are out on bail. Politicians only make promises but do nothing so the issues get mostly forgotten. Coming up with a proper solution is a great responsibility for Aam Aadmi Party in their ruling period.
AAP inexperienced about Punjab Politics
This is for the first time AAP will come to power in Punjab. Still viewed as a new entrant in Punjab politics, AAP has had a roller coaster ride. They are inexperienced about Punjab’s politics. It will be interesting to see in the coming times how they will work with the top officials which are in connection with Shiromani Akali Dal leaders and Congress Party leaders.