Bhagwant Mann, Arvind Kejriwal take Punjab model to Gujarat as AAP eyes expansion

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to test the Punjab Government's welfare and development schemes in Gujarat ahead of next year's Assembly elections. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal will spend two days in Gujarat, showcasing the state's policies to voters. The party is also looking to form a coalition in the BJP-led state.

Key schemes to be highlighted include the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, which provides monthly financial aid to nearly 69 lakh women, and the Punjab Government's claims of creating 63,000 government jobs for the youth, along with significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Among the education initiatives, the AAP will likely focus on the Schools of Eminence program, which has established 118 schools, and Teacher-Training programs to enhance the quality of government education. The 2026-27 Budget has allocated Rs 19,279 crore for education, with additional funding for the Sikhya Kranti 2.0 initiative.

In healthcare, the AAP will likely draw attention to its network of Aam Aadmi Clinics, which has expanded to 881 facilities providing free primary healthcare services. The government has also proposed to expand the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which offers cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family.

Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has criticized the AAP Government over alleged extortion calls and the law and order situation in Punjab. Randhawa questioned the party's response to the issue and inquired about potential links between the Enforcement Directorate and the Punjab Chief Minister's office.