Anmol Gagan Maan Resigns from Punjab Assembly, Exits Politics

Former Punjab minister Anmol Gagan Maan has announced her resignation from the Punjab Assembly, marking her exit from politics. The 35-year-old singer-turned-politician submitted her resignation to the Assembly Speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, on July 19, 2023. Maan, who secured her seat in the Kharar Assembly constituency during the 2022 elections, expressed her decision in a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“My heart is heavy, but I have decided to leave politics. My resignation from the post of MLA should be accepted. My best wishes are with the party,” Maan wrote in her post. Although she did not disclose specific reasons for her departure, reports indicate that party officials attempted to dissuade her from resigning.

In response to her resignation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that he was only just becoming aware of the situation and planned to convene a party meeting to address the issue. The Punjab AAP president, Aman Arora, described Maan as “like a younger sister” and expressed his intention to discuss her decision further with her, emphasizing the importance of teamwork within the party.

Career Highlights and Political Journey

Anmol Gagan Maan was appointed as a minister in the Punjab government following a cabinet expansion in July 2022. She was one of five MLAs to receive Cabinet positions and was notable for being the second woman to hold such a role in the AAP government. Maan was responsible for portfolios including tourism, culture, investment promotion, and labour. However, her tenure saw challenges, including her removal from the Cabinet in September 2024 alongside three other ministers.

During the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, Maan claimed victory against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate Ranjit Singh Gill, winning by a significant margin of 37,885 votes. Gill, who had previously contested for the Kharar seat twice, recently left SAD but has not disclosed his future plans.

Maan began her political career with the Aam Aadmi Party in July 2020. Prior to her political engagement, she was well-known in the Punjabi music industry and actively participated in AAP’s protest campaigns against the previous Congress government. She even recorded a campaign song titled “Kejriwal hai” for the party ahead of the 2022 elections.

Controversies and Personal Life

Maan’s political journey has not been without controversy. In September 2024, she accused administrative officers in Mohali of soliciting bribes in her name. Additionally, she faced criticism from political opponents regarding infrastructure issues in her constituency, particularly concerning road conditions and sewage management.

On a personal note, Maan married advocate Shahbaaz Singh Sohi in June 2024, with the wedding taking place at a gurdwara in Zirakpur, Mohali. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Mann and several AAP leaders, highlighting her connections within the party.

As Anmol Gagan Maan steps away from the political landscape, her departure raises questions about the future direction of the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. Her resignation reflects not only her personal journey but also the challenges faced by political figures in maintaining public trust and delivering on campaign promises.