Under the concept of “alternative politics,” the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced plans to build a strong base of young supporters in Punjab. The party believes that students can play a vital role in restoring political values and bringing qualitative change to politics, which it argues has seen a decline in recent years.
As part of this strategy, AAP will, for the first time, set up student units across colleges and universities in the state. At present, AAP only has one student body at the state level—the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP). Now, the party aims to expand this model to educational institutions, a move seen as both an attempt to mobilize youth voters ahead of the next assembly elections and to nurture a new generation of political workers for Punjab’s future.
AAP first entered Punjab’s electoral field in 2017, contesting in alliance with the Lok Insaaf Party (LIP). While AAP won 20 seats and LIP secured two, the 2022 assembly elections marked a turning point. With a stronger organizational base and years of groundwork, AAP secured a sweeping majority with nearly 79 percent of the vote share.
With the 2027 elections expected early in the year, the party has already begun internal restructuring. Its main, youth, women, farmers, trade, and student wings are being reorganized, with new appointments replacing office-bearers unable to dedicate sufficient time. Some leaders are also being shifted between wings. While the student wing will remain limited to colleges and universities, the trade wing will be organized at the constituency, district, regional, and state levels.
Chief spokesperson Neel Garg confirmed that preparations for the next assembly polls have started in full swing. “For the first time, we are forming a student wing as part of our organizational strategy. The concept of alternative politics is crucial today, and the youth are the backbone of the party. They will be motivated to join politics. Our goal is to reach every voter before the elections and inform them about the government’s achievements and policies,” Garg said.