The Congress calculation is that if the Bhagwant Mann government falls, it could get easier for the Aam Aadmi Party to regroup and milk some sympathy from Punjabis who value loyalty.

The Congress does not want the Bhagwant Mann government to fall in Punjab. Surprising as it sounds, there is a reason behind this sympathy after Friday’s shocker.

The Congress calculation is that if the Mann government falls after the exit of and six other MPs, it could get easier for the to regroup and milk some sympathy from Punjabis who give a high premium to loyalty.

Sources say around 50 MLAs are in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and many could walk out over the next couple of weeks. If this happens, could see an Akali-BJP combine come to power, which does not augur well for the Congress. This is why the Congress is hoping against hope that the AAP doesn’t fall like a pack of cards.

The worry in the Congress is that some of its MLAs too could be in touch with the BJP. The party had faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the and has been facing massive infighting, which even the top leadership is finding tough to handle.

The Akalis were the first to issue a statement, saying the AAP government could fall. So far, Akalis have not made any public statement to even suggest a coming together with the BJP. For the BJP, like Bengal, Punjab has been on the to-do list. But it lacks any strong Jat Sikh or Sikh face, without which any power is tough to get.

A bitter experience with the Akalis, where it had an upper hand in the alliance, is what the BJP is not keen to risk again. So, it hopes to have a Sikh face of its own. And if the Akalis come along, then so be it.

This is why a split in AAP in Punjab—with maybe even Mann hopping along—is the ideal situation for the saffron party. This is also where the Congress apple cart could tumble—a possibility that was discussed at a stock-taking meeting held by the party on Friday when seven AAP MPs quit to join the BJP.

Punjab

Punjab is a historical and cultural region spanning parts of northern India and eastern Pakistan, known as the “Land of Five Rivers.” It was the heart of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and later became the birthplace of Sikhism in the 15th century, with the Golden Temple in Amritsar serving as its holiest site. The region’s history includes rule by the Maurya and Mughal empires, the rise of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a major political party in India, founded in 1980 as a successor to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. It is rooted in Hindu nationalist ideology and has been the ruling party of India since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party has significantly influenced Indian politics through its focus on economic development,<div class="

Punjab

Punjab is a historical and cultural region straddling India and Pakistan, known as the “Land of Five Rivers.” It was the center of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and later saw the rise of Sikhism in the 15th century, with its holiest shrine, the Golden Temple, located in Amritsar. The region underwent significant changes during the British colonial period and was tragically partitioned in 1947, leading to mass migrations and ongoing cultural vibrancy on both sides of the border.

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest gurdwara in Sikhism, located in Amritsar, India. Its construction began in the 16th century under Guru Arjan Dev, who completed it in 1604, and it features a stunning gold-plated exterior and a sacred pool of nectar. The temple symbolizes Sikh values of equality and service, welcoming all visitors regardless of faith.

Amritsar

Amritsar is a historic city in the Indian state of Punjab, best known as the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism. It was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, and is home to the iconic Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), a sacred pilgrimage site built around a holy tank. The city also witnessed the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, a pivotal event in India’s independence movement.

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, flourishing from around 2600 to 1900 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Known for its advanced city planning, including grid-like streets, sophisticated drainage systems, and impressive structures like the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro, it was a major Bronze Age society that engaged in extensive trade with Mesopotamia. The civilization declined around 1900 BCE, likely due to climate change and shifting rivers, and its script remains undeciphered, leaving many aspects of its history a mystery.

Maurya Empire

The Maurya Empire was a vast and powerful ancient Indian empire that existed from approximately 322 to 185 BCE. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, it became the first empire to unify most of the Indian subcontinent, reaching its zenith under Emperor Ashoka, who promoted Buddhism and non-violence after a transformative battle. The empire is renowned for its advanced administration, economy, and cultural achievements, including the famous Pillars of Ashoka.

Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire was a powerful Islamic dynasty that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. Founded by Babur in 1526, it reached its golden age under emperors like Akbar, who promoted cultural and religious tolerance, and Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal. The empire’s decline began in the 18th century, eventually falling to British colonial rule after the 1857 rebellion.

Sikh Empire

The Sikh Empire was a powerful state in the Punjab region of South Asia, existing from 1799 to 1849. Founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it was known for its secular governance, military strength, and cultural flourishing, with its capital at Lahore. The empire was eventually annexed by the British East India Company after the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) was the powerful and visionary founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, ruling over the Punjab region of South Asia. Known as the “Lion of the Punjab,” he united warring Sikh factions and expanded his kingdom while promoting religious tolerance and cultural patronage. His most enduring legacy includes the preservation and gilding of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, and his reign is remembered as a golden age of Sikh sovereignty.

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