Factional rifts cloud AAP’s civic governance
Despite being in power for more than three years in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continues to face internal strife, with signs of factionalism surfacing publicly during the visit of Punjab Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh to Phagwara on Tuesday morning.
The minister’s visit was aimed at reviewing key municipal services, including sanitation, garbage disposal, street lighting and overall cleanliness. He inspected six dump sites across the city. However, the focus shifted from civic administration to political confrontation, as local AAP leaders failed to present a united front.
Among those present during the visit were Improvement Trust Chairman Jarnail Nangal, District Planning Board Chairperson Lalit Saklani, Mayor Ram Pal Uppal, AAP state spokesperson Harji Maan and Deputy Mayor Vikki Sood. The lack of coordination among them was visibly apparent, with disagreements surfacing even in public areas. A political standoff was witnessed near the Phagwara bus stand, where tensions between factions of the party came to the fore.
Although AAP has claimed control over the Phagwara Municipal Corporation, all three top posts—the Mayor and two Deputy Mayors—are held by individuals who either joined the party recently or were external supporters during the municipal elections. Mayor Ram Pal Uppal was elected on a Congress ticket and joined AAP shortly before the mayoral vote, reportedly after being assured of the post. Deputy Mayor Vikki Sood was previously affiliated with the BJP before switching to AAP. The second Deputy Mayor, Tej Pal Basra, is an active member of the Bahujan Samaj Party and had extended support to AAP during the elections.
The event, originally meant to address civic issues, quickly turned into a battleground of internal party friction. Verbal altercations and accusations were exchanged between various AAP leaders, even in the presence of Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, who appeared to adopt an unusually partisan tone. Eyewitnesses reported that the minister reprimanded several senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Corporation staff, in a manner many considered inappropriate for someone holding a Cabinet position.
During discussions concerning a shortage of staff in the Municipal Corporation, Mayor Uppal sought the minister’s support. However, Dr Singh reportedly dismissed the concern, stating that public grievances must be addressed “come what may,” without offering any administrative solution to the staffing issue.
