Claps galore for CM Mann, Channi churn and flying chargesheets
While AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal received dutiful slogans when he announced the scheme, the enthusiasm was measured, almost restrained. Mann, by comparison, was met with thunderous cheers.
4 min readChandigarhUpdated: Jan 25, 2026 12:56 PM IST
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann draws thunderous applause at an AAP event in Punjab, underscoring his rising popularity as attention shifts from the party’s central leadership. (Express Archive)
During the rollout of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s universal healthcare scheme in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was unmistakably the star. As he rose to speak, the crowd erupted into sustained applause that refused to die down. The contrast was stark. While AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal received dutiful slogans when he announced the scheme, the enthusiasm was measured, almost restrained. Mann, by comparison, was met with thunderous cheers. Clearly overwhelmed, he smiled and said, “This love does not let us rest. Even if I thank you with every breath, it will not be enough.”
Throughout his address, he repeatedly engaged the audience, posing questions apparently to underscore his rapport with the crowd. The answers came swiftly and certainly flatteringly.
The moment was telling. Not long ago, Kejriwal was seen as Punjab’s harbinger of change, closely watched, keenly heard, and capable of pulling massive crowds. That aura has faded. The shift spoke volumes about how perceptions have changed, and how Delhi’s “interference” increasingly weighs on AAP’s prospects in Punjab.
A solo BJP pitch that rattled party
When a video from a closed-door meeting of former Congress Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi was leaked recently, it stirred fresh political unease. In the clip, Channi was heard arguing that the Congress must ensure equal representation for Scheduled Castes within the party. The remarks triggered an unexpected reaction in Punjab’s political circles.
Congress-turned-BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon was quick to publicly invite Channi to join the BJP, claiming that the party treats everyone equally. The move, however, appeared more impulsive than strategic. Dhillon’s individual outreach, apparently made without consultation with the BJP’s state leadership, left several senior leaders visibly uncomfortable. Core BJP functionaries were caught off guard and struggled to offer a coherent response when questioned by the media.
The discomfort was particularly evident given the party’s recent internal history. BJP state president Sunil Jakhar had earlier refused to serve as deputy to Chief Minister Channi, despite being formally offered the position by then AICC secretary-in-charge Harish Choudhary. That episode had underscored deep political and ideological divides. Dhillon’s unsolicited invite reopened old fault lines.
Of files and flying chargesheets
Punjab has two IAS officers informally dubbed “charge-sheet officers”: Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Krishan Kumar and, more recently, PUNSUP Managing Director Sonali Giri. Kumar earned the tag earlier for issuing charge-sheets to subordinates who failed to meet his standards. Now, Giri appears to be following suit. She has begun aggressively clearing long-pending files at PUNSUP, the state government undertaking responsible for wheat and paddy procurement and subsidised distribution of essential commodities. With multiple unresolved issues related to storage and procurement, Giri has taken charge of stalled cases and revived pending charge-sheets, a move that has clearly unsettled her subordinates.
An Anmol defence
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AAP MLA from Kharar, Anmol Gagan Mann, has gone on a clarification spree over corruption allegations. Speaking at a function in her constituency last week, she said that if she had ever indulged in corruption or accepted even 50 paise, she should be left with nothing. Emphasising that her sole aim is village development, Mann claimed she has never sought bribes from BDPOs, sarpanches or DCs.
This is not the first time Mann has launched such a defence. In 2024, she had alleged that certain officers were indulging in corruption and collecting bribes while claiming the “booty” had to be shared with “the top.” Whether her repeated clarifications will put the issue to rest remains to be seen.
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.
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