Arvind Kejriwal to miss date with Punjab on Baisakhi

In January, Kejriwal had announced in Muktsar that he would visit the state in April for a few days after the Budget session gets over in Delhi.

AAP, AAP kejriwal Arvind Kejriwal, SYL, AAP punjab, punjab election, chandigarh news

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Amidst accusation of “double-speak” on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) and the demolition of a piau (water-kiosk) outside Gurdwara Sis hanj Sahib in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is all set to give Punjab a skip on Baisakhi.

In January, Kejriwal had announced in Muktsar that he would visit the state in April for a few days after the Budget session gets over in Delhi. This made party workers prepare for the Baisakhi rally in Talwandi Sabo on April 13.

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However, AAP leaders claim that Kejriwal had no plans to visit the state on Baisakhi as his schedule is packed with events. They also made it clear that this has nothing to do with SYL and Sis Ganj issues as the party has already clarified its stand on both in favour of Punjab.

“Such a visit was never planned. He is not required to be present on every rally,” said Sanjay Singh, party affairs incharge .

Kejriwal’s choice to skip Punjab during an important festival, has given Congress enough ammo to target the AAP.

According to sources, the party will target the AAP Convenor on the basis that while he took part in the birth anniversary celebrations of former BSP chief Kanshi Ram, but is staying away from the festival as he does not want to make any announcement on SYL issue.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Punjab on April 16, to meet party leaders. The AAP, however, hit back at Congress, daring the Gandhi scion to attend the rally and attract a huge crowd as Kejriwal managed during the Maghi rally. A Congress leader, while defending Rahul said, he is visiting the state to address 2000 odd party workers.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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