Punjab elections 2027: AAP releases first list of 40 candidates, Bhagwant Mann to contest from Dhuri

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday released its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann set to contest again from Dhuri and jailed minister Sanjeev Arora named as the party's candidate from Ludhiana West.

The candidates' names were finalised following a survey and discussions at a meeting of the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC), chaired by national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi. The early announcement is aimed at giving candidates three to four months to reach out to voters and highlight the work of the AAP government.

Congratulating the candidates, Kejriwal urged party workers to surpass the performance of the 2022 Assembly elections.

"The party has given tickets to these candidates following a survey conducted among the people. I congratulate all 40 candidates and call upon everyone to break even the record set in 2022 in the 2027 elections," he said.

Mann also congratulated the candidates and described the early announcement as a reflection of the party's preparations and confidence in its government's performance.

"The Aam Aadmi Party has released its first list of 40 candidates for the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The early announcement of candidates reflects the party's strong preparations, transparency and unwavering confidence in the work done by our government," he said.

He also urged party workers to strengthen their outreach at the grassroots level and continue working towards the vision of a 'Rangla Punjab'.

Speaking to the media after the PAC meeting, Mann said the party had held detailed discussions before finalising the candidates. Those who received a positive response in the public survey and were approved by voters had been given tickets, he said.

"We hope that all 40 candidates will be elected again. New faces will also get an opportunity. The Aam Aadmi Party itself is still a new party. It is only 12 to 13 years old. The Aam Aadmi Party has no competition from anyone in these elections. We are absolutely certain of our victory," the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting his government's work across the state, Mann claimed that development initiatives had reached villages throughout Punjab, including grants, road construction, pond improvement projects under the Thapar and Seechewal models, employment opportunities, Aam Aadmi Clinics and upgraded schools.

"If anyone visits Punjab, they will be able to see the work our government has carried out. There is not a single village in Punjab where grants have not reached, where roads have not been built, or where work has not been carried out on ponds, whether through the Thapar Model or the Seechewal Model. There is not a single village where someone has not received a job, where an Aam Aadmi Clinic has not opened or where schools have not been upgraded," he said.

Explaining the decision to announce candidates well ahead of the elections, Mann said the move would give them enough time to meet voters and take the government's work to the people.

"We are releasing the list three to four months before the elections so that candidates have sufficient time to reach out to people and take the work done by the government to them," he said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Mann said the party often delayed announcing its candidates because of concerns over internal rebellion and the possibility of leaders contesting as independents.

"The Congress remains worried until the last day about possible rebellion or someone contesting as an independent candidate. That is why the Congress does not announce its tickets until the last day. But the Aam Aadmi Party follows a different principle," he added.

(With IANS inputs)