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 It was a dream come true for Aam Aadmi Party becoming only a fourth outfit since independence to gain a foothold in more than one state of the Republic.

That D-day arrived on Wednesday the 16th of March 2022 when Bhagwant Singh Mann of AAP became the new chief minister of Punjab, the bread basket of India – six days after recording a stunning electoral victory in assembly elections.

Oath ceremony was held at the fabled memorial of revolutionary Bhagat Singh in his village Khatkar Kalan now part of Nawashahar area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined several political leaders from across the country in greeting Mann.

Bhagwant Mann is only 48 years old.  His oath of office and secrecy was administered by Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on a raised platform not far from a Bhagat Singh’s memorial.

The new Punjab CM had called his followers to come wearing yellow turbans or chunnis for the swearing-in ceremony.

He was the only one who took oath on Wednesday. AAP’s national leader and Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal also shared the spotlight at function.

Party sources said his cabinet, which can have 17 members, would be constituted soon.

“Congratulations to Bhagwant Mannji on taking oath as Punjab Chief Minister,” Modi tweeted. “Will work together for the growth of Punjab and welfare of the state’s people.”

Arvind Kejriwal, who sat on one side of the stage along with his Deputy Manish Sisodia and other Ministers from the national capital, was among the first to congratulate Mann.

“Many many congratulations and best wishes to Bhagwant Mann on becoming the Chief Minister of Punjab,” he tweeted. “I am sure that under your leadership, prosperity will return to Punjab, there will be a lot of progress and people’s problems will be solved. God is with you.

“ Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also hailed Mann.

“Infinite congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mannji,” SP supremo said.

“It is hoped that under his able leadership, the crops of progress, brotherhood and new outlook will flourish in Punjab.” Stalin added: “My hearty wishes to Bhagwant Mann… Tamil Nadu and Punjab share a long history of being vocal about linguistic rights and rights of the state in the Indian Union. Wishing the new government in Punjab, a successful tenure.