AAP Crisis Before Punjab Elections 2027: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has received another blow in Punjab as Sukhdeep Singh Chhina, director of the Punjab Dairy Development Board, stepped down from all positions and primary membership of the party ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
In a letter to AAP Punjab president Aman Arora, Chhina announced that he is stepping down from all positions of the party on November 12. This comes as party workers have been frustrated with AAP’s latest slate of candidates.
Why did Sukhdeep Singh Chhina Resign From AAP?
Sukhdeep Singh Chhina had been a part of Aam Aadmi Party for around 13 years. He resigned from AAP a day after it announced Sonia Mann as its candidate from Rajasansi constituency in the second list of nominees for the Punjab Assembly elections.
“The party leader was not happy with the AAP decision as there was no recognition of the seniority and contribution of long time workers while giving tickets,” The Tribune reported.
However, the reason for stepping down from AAP is not mentioned in his resignation letter. He just states that he is stepping down from all positions and primary membership.
His letter, addressed to Aman Arora, stated:
“I, Sukhdeep Singh Chhina, hereby tender my resignation from all positions held in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and also relinquish my primary membership of the party.” Chhina’s letter to Aman Arora stated.
The letter does not state he is quitting his position as director of Punjab Dairy Development Board. He has quit from the political party but not from his government post.
3 AAP Leaders Resign
Chhina is not the only one to step down from AAP. Three AAP leaders from Rajasansi constituency announced they are quitting the party on November 13 after Sonia Mann was nominated. These include:
- Sukhdeep Singh Chhina: Director of Punjab Dairy Development Board, stepping down from all positions and primary membership of AAP.
- Rajbir Singh: Ex-In-charge of Rajasansi, stepping down from primary membership.
- Gurdev Singh Joban Jhanjoti: Halqa coordinator of AAP for SC Wing, stepping down.
They have all sent their resignation letters to Punjab AAP president Aman Arora.
AAP Punjab Candidate List 2027: First Names Likely to Be Announced Tomorrow
Who is Sonia Mann?
Sonia Mann has been nominated by the Aam Aadmi Party to contest from Rajasansi Assembly constituency in the 2027 Punjab elections.
She is the daughter of left wing leader Baldev Singh Mann, who was killed by Khalistani militants in 1986. She comes from the Rajasansi area.
Before joining AAP in 2025 she had appeared in Punjabi music videos and movies. After joining the party she has been appointed as AAP’s Majha zone coordinator.
After being given the ticket Sonia Mann said “Thank you to the party leadership for giving me the ticket. I am confident of winning from the constituency. My mission is to continue with my father’s dream of highlighting issues faced by farmers and labourers.”
She has also spoken about empowering girls, setting up an ITI college in the constituency and increasing awareness of drug abuse.
However, her nomination has highlighted some internal conflict in the local party branch as some longstanding leaders have questioned how the candidate was chosen.
AAP Announces 2nd List Of 31 Candidates For Punjab Elections 2027
Chhina’s resignation comes at an important time for the Aam Aadmi Party as they begin to make plans for the next Punjab Assembly elections.
On November 12 the AAP announced its second list of 31 candidates, bringing the total number of declared candidates to 71 from the state’s 117 Assembly constituencies. On October 31, they announced their first list of 40 candidates.
The second list contains numerous changes as several current legislators and one current Cabinet minister have been dropped.
Notable additions and changes include:
- Sonia Mann (Rajasansi)
- Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer (Barnala)
- Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal (Phagwara)
- Karamjit Singh Rintu (Amritsar North)
- Jaskanwar Singh Gill (Patti) also known as Jassa Patti
- Randhir Singh Dhira Khuddian (Lambi), replacing his uncle and Cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian.
They have also dropped several current MLAs. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the candidates were chosen based on survey reports and public opinion. They have now announced 71 candidates and need to announce candidates for 46 constituencies.
