CHANDIGARH, July 20 — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday turned down Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Maan’s resignation, just a day after she publicly announced her decision to quit politics. The party leadership said it has asked her to continue serving as a legislator and contribute to the party’s ongoing efforts in Punjab.
Punjab AAP president Aman Arora met Maan on Sunday and informed her of the party’s decision. “Today, I met Anmol Gagan Maan in a family atmosphere. The party decided to reject her resignation as an MLA, which she accepted. We asked her to continue working together for the progress of the party and the constituency,” Arora posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing in Punjabi.
Reaffirming Maan’s association with AAP, Arora added, “Anmol was, is and will remain a part of the family of Arvind Kejriwal ji and Aam Aadmi Party.”
The 36-year-old Maan, a singer-turned-politician, had announced her exit from politics in an emotional message posted on social media Saturday. “With a heavy heart, I have decided to quit politics. My resignation from the post of MLA, submitted to the Speaker, may be accepted. My best wishes are with the party. I am hopeful that the Punjab Government will live up to the expectations of the people,” she wrote in a post on X.
Though her formal resignation was reportedly submitted to the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly earlier last week, the party’s latest move keeps her legislative position intact.
Maan, who hails from Mansa district, entered politics in 2020 by joining AAP. In July 2022, she was inducted into the Bhagwant Mann-led cabinet as Tourism and Investment Promotion Minister. However, her ministerial stint was short-lived, as she was removed from the cabinet in September 2023.
Her sudden departure had triggered speculation within political circles, especially as it came amid broader internal discussions about party roles and responsibilities in the state unit. With Sunday’s development, AAP appears intent on retaining its public faces and maintaining internal unity ahead of future challenges.
Neither Maan nor the party has elaborated on what led to her initial decision to step away from politics. However, the leadership’s outreach and her acceptance of the party’s request indicate that Maan will remain active in her constituency and the legislative assembly.
