Bittu flays AAP, says CM first among equals in party

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Bittu has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its leadership dynamics and alleged focus on family politics during his campaign in Ludhiana. His remarks came after a roadshow led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where Bittu observed a striking disparity in how the AAP leadership was presented.

The roadshow featured the Chief Minister in a separate leading vehicle while the party leadership, including AAP Punjab president Aman Arora, cabinet ministers and MLAs, followed in other mounted vehicles. Commenting on arrangements, Bittu said: “The Chief Minister’s decision to distance himself from the party leadership during the roadshow highlights his disregard for his own team. Why can’t they share the same platform? This arrangement goes against the core principle that the party should be supreme over individuals.”

He went on to criticise the grim expressions on the faces of AAP leaders and ministers, stating, “They looked as if they were being subjected to mental torture, relegated to trailing behind the Chief Minister on open trucks.”

During his campaign in Ward 55, 57, 58, 59, 17 and 31, Bittu also took aim at AAP’s ticket distribution process, accusing the party of sidelining volunteers in favour of promoting family politics. “The CM is now campaigning for family members of MLAs, including their wives and sons. Where are AAP volunteers, who once believed this was a party for the common people? AAP has turned into a party of privilege and nepotism,” he said.

Bittu called on Ludhiana’s voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming municipal elections. He emphasised that the BJP with its proven track record and direct access to the Prime Minister, is best positioned to drive Ludhiana’s development.