In New Delhi, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal leveled serious accusations against the Aam Aadmi Party, suggesting that certain individuals view Punjab merely as a personal financial resource. She highlighted open sand mining, corrupt practices in transfer postings, and questioned whether funds appropriated from Punjab were now being redirected to Delhi. Maliwal also pointed out that these actions had led to significant discontent among both the people and Punjab MLAs, especially after Arvind Kejriwal appointed Vibhav Kumar as the chief advisor to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.
During the discussions, Maliwal mentioned that Arvind Kejriwal appears to be seeking new opportunities in Punjab following his setback in Delhi. She criticized the convenor for holding meetings with Punjab MLAs despite the mandate given to him, questioning what tangible benefits had been provided to Punjab in return for their support.
In response to these allegations, AAP state President Aman Arora defended the party's efforts, emphasizing that discussions during the meetings were centered on expanding the successful 'Delhi Model' to the grassroots level in Punjab. Arora noted that such meetings, held every six to eight months, were a routine part of the party’s strategy and highlighted the significant role played by Punjab leaders in previous electoral campaigns in Delhi.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann dismissed criticisms coming from the opposition, particularly those made by Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa regarding the party’s state unit. Mann questioned the relevance of such criticisms by pointing out the contrast in representation between the two parties in Delhi, and asserted that Punjab's law and order situation was commendable despite the additional challenges of being a border state.