Minister Sanjeev Arora rules out leaving AAP, says ready to face ED probe; Watch Video
Prabh Sidhu/Babushahi Network
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, April 27, 2026: Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has dismissed speculation about joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reiterating his continued association with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Addressing a press conference focused primarily on the ongoing power situation in Punjab, Arora ruled out any possibility of leaving AAP and indicated that he would continue discharging his responsibilities as a cabinet minister in the state government.
On the issue of action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), he conveyed his willingness to cooperate fully with the probe.
During the briefing, Arora highlighted that the current power shortage is not limited to Punjab but is being witnessed across India. He attributed the situation to a sharp rise in electricity demand, reduced generation, coal shortages, and increased consumption due to rising temperatures.
He noted that the shortage, which began around April 18, is being actively addressed, with government teams working on increasing generation, improving supply, and managing demand. The situation has shown signs of improvement, with expectations of stabilization after May 1 and resolution of technical issues by mid-May.
Arora also pointed out that a thermal plant in Mukerian is currently under repair due to earlier faults and is expected to resume operations soon. To bridge the gap, additional power has been procured from Tata Power.
Providing context, he said Punjab’s regular power demand stands at around 4,000 MW, which can surge to nearly 17,000 MW during peak periods, especially in the paddy season. He acknowledged that unseasonal heat and sudden weather changes led to an unexpected spike in demand this year, though unplanned outages have significantly reduced compared to last year.
Arora also addressed concerns regarding free electricity, clarifying that reduced supply is not linked to the scheme. He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted power and is prepared to procure electricity at higher costs if required.
He urged citizens to use electricity judiciously to avoid unnecessary load on the system and help ensure better distribution.
The minister’s clarification comes amid heightened political chatter linking central agency scrutiny with possible party-switching by leaders. By firmly denying the rumours, Arora has sought to reinforce stability within the AAP-led government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
HK