It could, perhaps, be the last chance for the Congress party in Punjab. After two consecutive losses in 2007 and 2012 assembly polls; Congress has some hope intact.
Punjab Congress survived despite all negative outcomes resulting in complete rout of UPA-2, no doubt morale of Congress cadre was also impacted.
Capt Amarinder Singh had to make way for Partap Singh Bajwa. Bajwa did all he could to revive the party but he lost the number game and political war even before he could take off.2017 elections has it all for Congress, as anti-incumbency wave was at the peak after 10 years Akali-BJP rule, Aam Adami party's internecine fight was another great reason for congress to cheer!
Congress's decision to announce Capt Amarinder Singh's name as chief ministerial candidate would have had balming effect on the electorate.
But lets presume what would happen if congress loses the battle to AAP?
We all know that Punjab is not Delhi and Amarinder Singh is not Shiela Dikshit.
Punjab is a proper state with its long political, social and religious history, with diverse caste and economical variations.
AAP emergence would certainly damage the Congress most in punjab like it did in the national capital.
Punjab Congress would lose the plot completely, if they don't muster enough seats.
The urban Delhi which used to be the stronghold of Congress shifted towards AAP.
Did AICC realise that how swiftly Congress was decomated?
Did Congress analyse that why did it happen it in first place?
Did Congress realise that why its losing its footprints in cowbelt so badly?
Punjab would be a classice case for AAP even if they make headway in Punjab.
Great worry lies for Punjab BJP too, which failed to identify its electorate. Even if AAP fails to make government, its here to stay.
Shiromani Akali Dal has the all reason to survive even if they lose power badly. SAD is a cadre-based party; it has go wherewithal to fight back.
Perhaps, there would be lot of churning within the party, some leaders would be shown the doors. There could be unsavoury developments within the party.
On other hand, BJP has been been in the state of soup in Punjab and its likely to face the voter's wrath the most. And it doesn't have power to absorb the shock.First, BJP lacks charismatic leadership to keep its flock together.
Secondly, BJP has to nobody to blame for its impending fate then themselves alone.
What AAP needs is a foothold, Punjab provides the right reason for Arvind Kejriwal to smile.
Lets wait and see who has the last laugh, Capt Amarinder or Arvind Kejriwal.
