Within six months of being in the party, Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi was recently appointed as the Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab convener. Formerly known as a stand-up comedian and actor, Ghuggi replaces Sucha Singh Chhotepur, who has been ousted from the party on charges of accepting bribe.
Ghuggi started his career as a TV artist in Doordarshan series. His career escalated when he featured in popular Bollywood movies such as, Namastey London, Race, Singh is Kinng etc. Ghuggi shot to fame with his appearance in the Great Indian Laughter Challenge show.
While Ghuggi replaced a politician with over 40 years of experience in politics, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal mocked him and Bhagwant Mann for being comedians. In response to which, Ghuggi said,” Punjab is crying, it is mourning. And Ghuggi and Mann are making people laugh.”
Asked about the criticism that AAP is bringing in outsiders, Ghuggi told The Indian Express: “Is Asha Kumari [Congress’s Punjab affairs in-charge] from Bhikhi? Is Prashant Kishor from Bhucho Mandi?” He broke into local idiom: “Their eye is an eye, but our eye is an eyeball.”
It was earlier reported that Ghuggi had negotiated with Congress before joining AAP. Denying the reports, he said, “If they were in touch with me, it does not mean I was in touch with them.”
A party leader talking about Ghuggi’s participation in rallies said that he has been redressing grievances and has shown a strong demeanour in the state while his experience as a comedian complements him and gives him the wit to answer even the uncomfortable questions with ease.
