Speculation is rising over whether Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, is looking for a Rajya Sabha seat after AAP nominated Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West by-election. However, AAP has strongly denied these claims.
Speculation Over Rajya Sabha Seat
The rumors started after AAP announced Sanjeev Arora AAP as its candidate for the Ludhiana West assembly by-election. If Sanjeev Arora wins, he would have to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat, leading to speculation that Arvind Kejriwal might take his place.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized Kejriwal, stating, “This man cannot live without power.” He suggested that AAP might have already planned Sanjeev Arora’s resignation from Rajya Sabha to clear the path for Kejriwal.
BJP's Response
BJP leader Amit Malviya also questioned AAP’s decision to field Sanjeev Arora AAP for the by-poll. He argued that Punjab should be represented by someone from the state in Rajya Sabha, not Kejriwal. He also claimed that AAP may have promised Arora a ministerial position in return for his seat.
Malviya urged Ludhiana voters to reject Sanjeev Arora AAP, preventing him from offering his seat to Kejriwal.
AAP Denies the Claims
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar dismissed the rumors, saying that media sources were incorrect. She reaffirmed that Kejriwal is not planning to join Rajya Sabha and stated, “Earlier, they said he would become Punjab’s Chief Minister. Now they say he is going to Rajya Sabha. Both are wrong.”
She also highlighted that Kejriwal, as AAP's national convenor, is not limited to any single electoral seat.
Kejriwal’s Political Future
Recently, Kejriwal lost his Delhi assembly seat to BJP leader Parvesh Sahib Singh, raising questions about his future in active politics. However, AAP insists he remains fully committed to the party’s leadership.
Conclusion
While speculation continues, AAP maintains that Arvind Kejriwal has no plans to move to Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, the Ludhiana West by-election will be closely watched, as its outcome could shape AAP’s political strategies.