Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has dismissed speculations about his possible removal in the wake of AAP's defeat in the Delhi elections and party chief Arvind Kejriwal’s loss in his seat. Addressing the media after an AAP meeting in Delhi, which included Mr. Kejriwal, senior leader Manish Sisodia, and all Punjab MLAs, Mr. Mann brushed off the rumors with a smile.

The meeting at Kapurthala House in Delhi had sparked speculation, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa claiming that Mr. Kejriwal was orchestrating a leadership change in Punjab by branding Mr. Mann as "incompetent." Sirsa alleged, "After AAP’s defeat in Delhi, Kejriwal is now shifting blame onto Bhagwant Mann. He failed to deliver on his promise of giving ₹1,000 to women, curbing drug abuse, and improving Punjab’s situation. Now, he wants Punjab MLAs to declare him the Chief Minister."

When questioned about this claim, Mr. Mann responded with a simple, "Let them say," and assured that the Punjab government remained committed to its welfare schemes.

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa also stirred controversy, claiming that over 20 AAP MLAs were in touch with him. Mr. Mann dismissed this, saying, "Bajwa has been making these claims for three years. Ask him to count Congress MLAs in Delhi first," mocking the Congress’s continued poor performance in the capital.

Mr. Mann reiterated that the meeting was not about leadership changes but about strengthening AAP’s vision for Punjab. He stated that Mr. Kejriwal thanked party workers for their hard work in Delhi and emphasized plans to make Punjab a "model state."

Despite political speculation, AAP maintains a strong hold in Punjab with 93 MLAs in the 117-member assembly, while Congress lags behind with just 16. Whether the rumors hold any weight or are mere opposition tactics remains to be seen.