Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will not be present at the Aam Aadmi Party’s major rally scheduled in Moga on Monday, as he remains under medical supervision at a private hospital in Mohali.
The ruling party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, along with Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, will spearhead the gathering at Killi Chahla village, stepping in to lead the event in the Chief Minister’s absence.
Massive Turnout Expected
Party leaders anticipate a crowd of over 50,000 attendees at the rally, which is being projected as a major political outreach programme. All AAP MLAs and halqa incharges have been actively mobilising supporters, particularly members of the recently constituted Village Defence Committees.
The rally carries political weight for the party, as it intends to highlight its crackdown under the ‘War Against Drugs’ initiative. The campaign has been positioned as a determined push to curb narcotics trafficking and substance abuse in the state.
After the public meeting, the party has scheduled a closed-door session with MLAs and halqa incharges in Moga. Punjab affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia is expected to address party representatives during the strategy meeting.
CM’s Health Stable
Mann was admitted to the hospital on Sunday evening after complaining of uneasiness, reportedly linked to elevated blood pressure. In a medical bulletin, the hospital confirmed that he underwent detailed clinical evaluation and routine diagnostic tests. Doctors stated that his vital signs are stable and that he has been kept under observation as a precautionary measure.
The Chief Minister had been attending Shivratri events in Sangrur alongside Kejriwal when his health condition reportedly worsened. He was subsequently flown to Chandigarh, cancelling his remaining engagements in Sangrur as well as a planned visit to Fazilka to meet the family of Cabinet minister Aman Arora.
Political Undercurrents
Mann’s hospitalisation coincides with significant internal discussions within the party. Speculation has been rife about the possible appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers and a reshuffle of the state Cabinet, developments that could shape the party’s political strategy in the coming months.
Despite his absence from the Moga rally, party leaders have indicated that organisational activities will proceed as scheduled, with senior leadership taking charge of the event.
