Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed’ Remark Triggers Uproar

Chandigarh :-Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab state in-charge Manish Sisodia has sparked a major political row with his controversial remarks during a workshop of the party’s women volunteers on Thursday evening.

In a viral video, Sisodia is heard telling workers in Hindi:
“To win the 2027 Assembly election, we will use Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed, truth, lies, questions, answers, fights, quarrels—whatever it takes. Are you ready? Say it with energy.”

The phrase “Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed”, rooted in Chanakya’s Arthashastra, refers to persuasion, inducement, punishment, and division as political strategies.

The statement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who allege that Sisodia’s words amount to an admission of intent to use undemocratic and unconstitutional means to retain power.

BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have written to the Election Commission, demanding an FIR against Sisodia and his disqualification from contesting elections. BJP state president Sunil Jakhar said the remarks show AAP’s intent to “win by hook or crook”, undermining democracy.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress) claimed that Sisodia’s words reveal AAP’s desperation after failing to deliver on governance, while SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal accused Sisodia of inciting unrest and even called for his bail cancellation in the corruption case.

Meanwhile, Congress state chief Raja Warring wrote on X that AAP cannot “threaten or intimidate” Punjabis, adding that the remark exposed the party’s true intentions.

As of now, neither AAP nor Sisodia has issued an official response to the mounting criticism.