Jalandhar, October 16, 2026: The Aam Aadmi Party is facing internal dissent in its Jalandhar Cantt unit following the appointment of senior party leader Deepak Bali as the new Halka In-charge, replacing Rajwinder Kaur Thiara.
The organisational change was announced on October 15, with Bali being given responsibility for the Jalandhar Cantt Assembly constituency. The decision, however, has reportedly not gone down well with a section of party workers and office-bearers associated with Thiara.
According to information emerging from the local party unit, supporters of Thiara have expressed displeasure over the manner in which the change was made. Around 10 block-level presidents and other office-bearers are reported to have submitted or announced their resignations in protest against the decision. The exact number and status of these resignations are awaiting formal confirmation from the party leadership.
Those opposing the decision have reportedly questioned why Thiara was replaced despite remaining active in organisational and constituency-level programmes. Her supporters have sought an explanation from the party leadership regarding the circumstances behind the change.
Deepak Bali, meanwhile, has been active in the Aam Aadmi Party’s organisational activities in Punjab and has now been entrusted with the responsibility of strengthening the party network in Jalandhar Cantt. His appointment places him at the centre of AAP’s political and organisational activities in the constituency.
The latest disagreement comes against the backdrop of earlier signs of internal competition within the Jalandhar Cantt unit. Different local leaders and their supporters have been active in the constituency, particularly as political activity increases ahead of the next Punjab Assembly election.
Rajwinder Kaur Thiara had been serving as the party’s Halka In-charge before being replaced by Bali. She has remained active in local programmes and party activities, and the reaction from her supporters indicates that the organisational reshuffle has created dissatisfaction among a section of the cadre.
As of the publication of this report, a detailed official response from the AAP leadership regarding the reported resignations and concerns raised by Thiara’s supporters was awaited. Further clarity is expected once the party formally addresses the developments within its Jalandhar Cantt unit.
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