Manish Sisodia’s ‘Whatever It Takes’ Remark for 2027 Punjab Polls Triggers Political Row
A political storm has erupted after a viral video of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab in-charge and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
In the video, Sisodia stated that AAP would do “whatever it takes” to win the 2027 Punjab assembly elections. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have lodged complaints with the Election Commission regarding his remarks.
Sisodia’s Address at Mohali Workshop
While addressing the women’s wing workshop on August 13 in Mohali, Sisodia highlighted the role of women voters in the 2022 Punjab elections.
He said women would participate in even greater numbers in 2027. “We have taken a pledge to make ‘Rangla Punjab,’ and we are working to make every family in Punjab wealthy and prosperous.
To achieve this, we will support everything from self-help groups (SHGs) to small startups, local shops, and small businesses through government schemes. We will bring women to the forefront. These women’s teams will take these achievements door to door and work on them. The real goal is to win the 2027 election,” he said.
BJP’s Complaint to Election Commission
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar wrote a letter to the Election Commission demanding action against Sisodia.
He alleged that Sisodia’s speech promoted undemocratic practices and suggested that elections be won “by hook or by crook.” Jakhar claimed that Sisodia mentioned using “Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed, Sach, Jhooth, Sawaal, Jawaab, Ladai, Jhagda” to secure victory in 2027.
Jakhar argued that such remarks mocked the values of peace, freedom, and integrity, and reflected AAP’s intent to undermine the democratic process.
He said the statements endangered peace, development, and prosperity in Punjab, while indicating intent to use corrupt practices, intimidate voters, and disturb public order.
Legal Provisions Cited
In his letter, Jakhar referred to several provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, including:
Bribery under Section 123(1)
Undue influence under Section 123(2)
Promotion of enmity under Section 123(3A)
He also mentioned offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including promoting enmity (Section 196), making statements against national unity (Section 197), and issuing illegal threats (Section 353).
He urged the Election Commission to disqualify Sisodia under Section 8 of the RPA Act and called for registration of an FIR against him.
SAD Demands Action and Bail Cancellation
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also appealed to the Election Commission to take action against Sisodia.
He accused the AAP leader of attempting to incite fraternal bloodshed in Punjab and demanded cancellation of Sisodia’s bail in a corruption case, citing his recent provocative remarks.
Badal said that the clip showed AAP’s intent to vitiate Punjab’s atmosphere unless the Election Commission intervened. “The Election Commission is requested to order registration of a criminal case against Sisodia as the AAP government is not likely to take action against the Delhi leader as chief minister Bhagwant Mann was part of the audience when Sisodia made these incendiary remarks.
It should also recommend cancellation of the bail granted to Sisodia which is being misused to indulge in corruption by bribing voters, a charge in which the AAP leader is already facing trial,” Badal stated.
He further urged the EC to consider barring AAP from contesting the 2027 Punjab assembly elections in light of Sisodia’s open assertion about adopting illegal methods.
Strong Criticism from SAD Leaders
SAD vice president and advocate Paropkar Singh Ghuman launched a strong attack on Sisodia, saying the remarks exposed the true face of AAP.
He claimed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aman Arora were following AAP’s hidden agenda. “Manish Sisodia himself has hammered a nail into AAP’s coffin. Now the people of Punjab will use ‘saam, daam, dand, bhed’ to drive the last nail into its coffin and pack this party out of the state,” he said.
Ghuman argued that Sisodia’s irresponsible statements showed that AAP’s sole aim was to stay in power, not public welfare. He alleged that AAP had failed in governance and now sought to manipulate elections.
“Such a statement is unbecoming of a senior leader. No matter how much criticism one does of this, it is still not enough,” he added.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The viral video of Sisodia further added to the political uproar. He was seen saying: “Even if we have to lie, even if we have to use ‘saam, daam, dand, bhed’, we must win the 2027 elections at any cost.”
Ghuman accused AAP of using social media to defame the Shiromani Akali Dal with false allegations in the past, linking this to Sisodia’s statement.
He argued that the statement demonstrated AAP’s disregard for public welfare and its focus solely on power. Ghuman demanded that Sisodia be expelled from the party and declared unfit for public life.
Renewed Call for EC Action
Reiterating his demand, Jakhar once again urged the Election Commission to take immediate action against Sisodia.
He said the remarks revealed an “open admission of intent to adopt corrupt practices, intimidate voters, spread enmity, and disturb public order.” He pressed for disqualification of Sisodia, an FIR against him, and action against AAP’s Punjab unit.
