Ending the seven-decade-long reign of Punjab’s traditional parties – the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has ushered in a new chapter in Punjab’s political history.

AAP’s big win can be attributed to several reasons. 

1. The knight in shining armour

After witnessing the SAD and the Congress failing to deliver the promises they had assured, people across Punjab saw the AAP as its knight in shining armour, rescuing them from the discontent they had faced. The AAP slogan of “Is baar na khaawaange dhokha, Bhagwant Maan te Kejriwal nu dewaange mauka (We won’t get fooled this time, will give a chance to Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal)” resonated with the people of Punjab, offering them a breath of fresh air, away from thick smoke of falling income levels and status quos. 

2. Bhagwant Mann, the key to Punjab’s heart

The AAP managed to put an end to the notion of the party being an ‘outsider’ by presenting comedian-turned-politician Bhagwant Mann as the chief ministerial candidate. 

Mann, being a pro at social and political satire, managed to win hearts, and a huge pile of votes. 

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3. The four pillars of ace governance 

Following the Delhi model of quality healthcare and government education and cheap electricity and water, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party struck a chord with distressed voters left with no other option than expensive healthcare and education. 

4. Wooing women

Promising monetary aid to women with a sum of Rs 1,000 per month and igniting youngsters with a “change the system” ideology, the AAP managed to garner massive support from the ‘aam aadmi’. 

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5. ‘Victory of democracy’

The AAP gained the confidence of the agitated farmers of Punjab that had been hit by three farm laws by extending support for the demands of the farmers.

“The victory of farmers is the victory of democracy. We support pending demands of farmers, we are with them,” Kejriwal said in an Assembly.