16 september 2024 : As the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government hits the two-and-a-half-year mark on Monday, the party is faring well politically but still faces significant governance challenges.
While AAP has managed to attract leaders from Congress, BJP, and SAD, public enthusiasm for their governance model remains lukewarm. After a strong performance in the 2022 Assembly elections, AAP experienced setbacks, including a loss in the Sangrur parliamentary bypoll. However, the party rebounded by winning the Jalandhar parliamentary bypoll in 2023, though it faced further defeats in the 2024 General Election, only to recover with a win in the Jalandhar West bypoll in July.
The party initially struggled with key issues like the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and Punjab’s share in Chandigarh’s officers, but it is now better navigating these political challenges. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann continues to work towards his goal of securing 100 AAP MLAs.
AAP’s relationship with voters has been strained by its struggle to fulfill promises due to financial constraints, compounded by a resurgent Congress and a growing BJP. While the anti-corruption stance has led to arrests of former ministers, including those within AAP, the party has slowed its anti-corruption efforts.
Promises made before the 2022 elections, such as a Rs 1,000 stipend for women and doorstep ration delivery, remain unfulfilled. The government has had to implement revenue-generating measures like increased VAT on fuels and higher taxes, due to financial difficulties and delays in receiving funds from the Centre.
The much-touted promise of a drug-free Punjab remains unmet, and industrial investment has been limited. Nonetheless, AAP has created around 50,000 jobs and continues to provide free power to domestic consumers and agricultural pumpsets. Despite financial constraints, the government maintains these subsidies, alleviating some burden on the public amid high inflation.
Efforts to improve public health and education are showing positive results, with increased enrollment in government schools and enhancements in healthcare through Aam Aadmi Clinics. Additionally, the government has made progress on agricultural policy, including water distribution and promoting direct seeding of rice to combat desertification.