A controversy has erupted in Punjab following remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia regarding the party's strategy for the 2027 Assembly elections. Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and AAP's state in-charge, is under fire for allegedly urging party workers to use all possible means – "saam, daam, dand, bhed" – to secure victory. These remarks, made during a workshop with AAP's women volunteers on Thursday, August 14, 2025, have sparked strong criticism from opposition parties, who accuse him of promoting unethical and undemocratic election tactics.

The phrase "saam, daam, dand, bhed" originates from the ancient Indian treatise Arthashastra, authored by Chanakya, a strategist and advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. It encapsulates a strategy of using persuasion, incentives, punishment, and division to achieve one's goals. In the context of elections, opposition parties have interpreted Sisodia's statement as an endorsement of using any means necessary, fair or unfair, to win.

A video clip of Sisodia's speech has gone viral, further fueling the controversy. In the video, Sisodia is purportedly heard saying in Hindi, "2027 Assembly election jeetne ke liye Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed, Sach, Jhooth, question, answer, ladai, jhagda jo bhi karna pada karenge. Bolo tayar hein. Josh se bolo," which translates to, "To win the 2027 Assembly elections, we will do whatever it takes, be it persuasion, incentives, punishment, division, truth, lies, questions, answers, fights, or quarrels. Are you ready? Say it with enthusiasm".

The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have reacted strongly to Sisodia's remarks. Both parties have filed complaints with the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding strict action against Sisodia. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has accused Sisodia of attempting to "undermine the election process" and has warned that his statements indicate a readiness to misuse state machinery, intimidate voters, bribe the electorate, create communal divisions, and spread misinformation. Jakhar has urged the ECI to register an FIR against Sisodia and disqualify him from contesting elections. He also cited offences under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including bribery, undue influence, promotion of enmity, and statements against national unity.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused Sisodia of "trying to incite fraternal bloodshed in Punjab" and has called for the cancellation of his bail in a corruption case. He believes Sisodia's remarks prove that AAP is going to "vitiate the atmosphere of the state" unless the Election Commission takes firm action.

Other opposition leaders have also condemned Sisodia's statement. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa stated that Sisodia's call to win the elections at any cost reveals an intent to destroy democracy. Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi shared the video clip of Sisodia's statement, claiming that the remarks reflect the "real truth of Aam Aadmi Party". Mohali Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi said Sisodia's irresponsible words had exposed the true face of AAP.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh stated that Sisodia's statement has exposed how AAP has already prepared a "vicious plan for 2027" after its "dismal failure in governance". He added that Sisodia's remarks prove that AAP is conspiring to spread unrest in Punjab.

In response to the controversy, AAP has not yet issued an official statement. However, the party is likely to defend Sisodia's remarks as a call to use all legitimate means to win the election, while accusing the opposition of distorting his words and engaging in political mudslinging.

The Election Commission is yet to respond to the complaints filed by the BJP and SAD. However, the ECI is likely to take the matter seriously, given the gravity of the allegations and the potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process. The controversy surrounding Sisodia's remarks is likely to intensify in the coming days, with the opposition parties expected to continue their attacks on AAP and demand strict action from the Election Commission. The incident raises questions about the ethical standards of political campaigning and the importance of maintaining a level playing field in a democracy.