A political controversy has erupted in Punjab over a statement made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, concerning the party's strategy for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Sisodia's remarks, which alluded to using "Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed" (negotiation, bribery, punishment, and division) along with "truth, lies, questions, answers, fights, quarrels" to secure victory, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accuse AAP of advocating unethical and undemocratic means.
The controversy stems from a video clip of Sisodia addressing AAP's women's wing leadership training program on August 13, 2025. In the video, Sisodia purportedly said that to win the 2027 elections, the party would do whatever it takes, including using "Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed, Sach, Jhooth, question, answer, ladai, jhagda".
The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have lodged complaints with the Election Commission of India (ECI), urging action against Sisodia. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has written to the ECI, alleging that Sisodia's remarks promote undemocratic methods and violate the law by advocating winning elections "by hook or by crook". Jakhar also stated that Sisodia's speech, delivered on the eve of Independence Day, ridiculed the values of peace, freedom, and integrity, indicating AAP's intention to undermine the democratic process. He further added that these statements threaten the peace, development, and prosperity of Punjab, and provide evidence of a clear intent to engage in corrupt practices, intimidate voters, incite hostility, and disturb public peace.
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has also appealed to the ECI to take action against Sisodia, accusing him of encouraging AAP workers to indulge in lies, false promises, illegal gratification of voters, and even violence to win the 2027 elections. Badal has urged the ECI to consider debarring AAP from contesting the 2027 state elections, given their "open assertion that it would use illegal methods to seek a mandate in its favour". He has also demanded the filing of an FIR against Sisodia and sought to bar him from contesting future elections or giving public speeches, arguing that his behavior poses a serious threat to the sanctity of elections, social unity, and the democratic framework.
Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa echoed the criticism, stating that Sisodia's remarks are a confession of intent to destroy democracy, admitting that AAP wants to use unfair means. Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi shared the video clip on social media, claiming that the remarks reflect the "real truth of the Aam Aadmi Party".
Jakhar has requested action against Sisodia under the Representation of People Act, 1951, and Sections 196, 197, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (BNS). He argues that Sisodia's conduct amounts to a corrupt practice and calls for disqualification from contesting elections. He also said that these actions violate the Constitution by undermining the principles of free and fair elections and the democratic rights of citizens guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
The opposition parties are demanding that the ECI take immediate cognizance of the matter, initiate a swift investigation, and take strict punitive and legal action against Sisodia and the AAP. They are alleging that Sisodia's statements indicate a misuse of state machinery, voter intimidation, bribery, creating communal divisions, and spreading misinformation to mislead voters.
AAP is seeking to retain power in Punjab in the 2027 elections, especially after a weak performance in the Delhi elections earlier this year. The party is trying to revamp its Punjab unit and strengthen its organization at the grassroots level. However, the recent controversy over Sisodia's remarks, coupled with existing challenges such as internal dissent over land pooling policies and criticism of the "Delhi model" of development, could pose a significant hurdle for AAP's prospects in the upcoming elections.
