Aman Arora Exclusive Interview: AAP’s 2027 Battle, Drugs, Gangsters, Protests & Political Challenges

September 13, 2026

Punjab is heading towards the 2027 Assembly elections with several major political and public issues once again taking centre stage. From the drug crisis and the growing concerns over gangsters and extortion to questions over governance and the political future of the Aam Aadmi Party, the Punjab government is facing increasing scrutiny.

In an interview with Dainik Savera Times, AAP leader and Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora addressed some of the key challenges facing the state and defended the performance of the AAP government over the last four-and-a-half years.

Drugs remain one of the biggest concerns in Punjab, affecting both adults and young people. The issue has been a major political talking point under successive governments, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and now the Aam Aadmi Party. During the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, ending the drug menace was one of the major promises made by political parties, including the AAP.

When asked whether the AAP government has failed to control drugs, gangsters and extortion during its tenure, Arora said that problems such as drugs and corruption are like cancer and cannot be eliminated overnight. He, however, claimed that there has been a change under the AAP government and that people’s trust in the government has increased compared with the previous decade.

Arora said the Punjab government and the AAP have taken several steps against drugs, including police action, public awareness campaigns and the use of technology. He also highlighted campaigns against drugs across villages and said the government has been working to strengthen its fight against drug trafficking. He further pointed to the use of drone technology to monitor border areas and track possible routes used for bringing drugs into Punjab.

The interview also comes at a time when questions are being raised about the AAP’s political standing ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The party has also faced political setbacks, including developments involving its Rajya Sabha MPs, while leaders such as Sandeep Pathak and Raghav Chadha remain important figures in Punjab and national AAP politics.

Arora was asked whether these developments, along with public concerns over drugs, law and order and governance, could affect AAP’s prospects in the 2027 elections. He maintained that the government has made changes on the ground and argued that the public’s perception of the government’s seriousness in tackling the drug problem has improved.

The interview also touches upon the broader law-and-order situation in Punjab, including gangsters and extortion, issues that have remained politically sensitive under successive governments.

Another major issue discussed was the Behbal Kalan investigation and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s reported absence from an appearance in the probe. The issue has once again brought questions of accountability, justice and political responsibility into focus.

With Punjab preparing for another crucial electoral battle, the interview with Aman Arora examines whether the AAP government can convince voters that it has delivered on its key promises, particularly on drugs, law and order and governance, and whether these issues will shape the political contest in 2027.

Here is the English version, keeping the meaning and tone of the interview intact while making it clear and natural:

Gangsters and Extortion: AAP Blames Long-Standing Issue and Lack of Centre Support

He was further asked about the increasing cases of threats and extortion in Punjab. The question was whether the government feels it has failed to control these issues, as such cases appear to have increased rather than decreased.

Responding to this, Aman Arora said that the problems of gangsters and drugs have existed in Punjab for nearly 15 years, including during the previous Akali-BJP government, and cannot be completely eliminated overnight.

He also stressed that the Centre has an important role to play, particularly in dealing with threats and extortion calls originating from overseas. According to Arora, many such calls are made from abroad, and the state government needs cooperation from the Centre to effectively tackle these networks.

He said the Centre has not provided the level of support required to deal with the issue and claimed that even neighbouring states have not extended adequate cooperation. He alleged that the issue is often politicised instead of being dealt with collectively.

Arora maintained that unless the Centre also takes strong action against the networks operating from outside the country, it would be difficult to completely resolve the problem of threats, extortion and organised crime in Punjab.

Punjab as a ‘Protesting State’: Why Are Employees Unhappy?

The AAP leader was then asked about the expectations people had when the Aam Aadmi Party came to power in Punjab. The government had promised to stand with the people, but after more than four years, Punjab is increasingly being described as a “protesting state”, with employees from different departments taking to the streets to demand their rights.

He was asked why the government has not been able to assure its employees and why sections of government employees continue to protest against the government.

Arora said that protesting and expressing disagreement with government policies is part of democracy. He maintained that there has been no lack of effort from the Punjab government in addressing the concerns of its employees.

He said government employees are an important part of Punjab and have contributed significantly to the functioning of the state.

71,000 Government Jobs and Regularisation of Contract Employees

Arora highlighted the government’s employment record, saying that around 71,000 government jobs have been provided so far without payment of money or bribes.

He further said that the process of regularising around 65,000 contractual employees is currently underway.

Arora also claimed that previous governments had failed to take decisions on issues related to pay scales and employee demands.

He said the AAP government has assured employees that the promises made to them will be fulfilled.

“We have assured the people that the promises made to them will be fulfilled,” Arora said.

He maintained that given the steps taken by the government, it would be “completely irrational and illogical” to say that the Punjab government is not thinking about the rights and interests of its employees.

AAP Says Voters Will Judge Government’s Work Ahead of 2027

When asked how the AAP views the recent political developments involving Sandeep Pathak and Raghav Chadha joining the BJP, and whether their move could pose a threat to the party ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Aman Arora said that the final decision would rest with the voters.

He said people would assess the government’s performance and its work when they go to vote.

“People will look at the work done by the government when they vote,” Arora said.

“NO doubt Sandeep Pathak and Raghav Chadha have made several commitments and favours to AAP, but with every elections the political dynamic changes, And if several left many joined AAP.