CityweliveThe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) move to disassociate itself from its legislators implicated in corruption has now been repeated for the second time, as the party has appointed industrialist Nitin Kohli as the in-charge of the Jalandhar Central constituency amidst the ongoing Vigilance Bureau investigation against the current AAP MLA from the area, Raman Arora.
Kohli’s induction and Arora’s replacement echo a familiar strategy employed by the party last year when it brought in Mohinder Bhagat from Jalandhar West, replacing then-MLA Sheetal Angural, who was entangled in an alleged corruption case prior to joining the BJP.
“As accusations of graft were exchanged between AAP and Angural, the party promptly shifted into damage control by presenting Bhagat as its untainted face for the Jalandhar West bypoll. It has adopted a similar tactic this year by nominating Kohli in Jalandhar Central,” stated a party insider. After clinching the Jalandhar West byelection, Bhagat was elevated to the position of Cabinet minister.
Responding to inquiries about Kohli’s potential future rise, state president Aman Arora said, “AAP is known for elevating individuals to prominent positions. Our role is to offer a platform — the rest depends on their abilities and how far they can progress.”
Kohli has a background in sports, having served as president of Hockey Punjab. He is the Managing Director of Hike Shoe Pvt Ltd, the founder of Tracer Shoes, and owner of the family brand Vijayanti, which manufactures hockey gear. He is also recognized as a distinguished educationist.
Speculation about Kohli’s political involvement began circulating among AAP members when former Congress leader Sushil Rinku joined AAP in 2023 ahead of the Jalandhar by-election. A close associate of Rinku, Kohli was present at his AAP induction and also backed Rinku during his transition to the BJP in 2024. Well-connected with Congress MLA Pargat Singh and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, Kohli also supported the appointment of the current Jalandhar Mayor, Vinit Dhir.
Kohli is also credited with playing a key role in helping AAP secure a majority in the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. As part of its ongoing anti-drug and anti-corruption campaigns, the party is aiming to present a more transparent and accountable image ahead of the 2027 elections. AAP is bringing in more people-centric leaders, and sources suggest that additional changes in leadership may be on the horizon.
Among the few well-connected businessmen with amicable ties across political lines, Kohli maintains cordial relations with several leaders and is frequently turned to — even by rival parties — as a neutral negotiator during crises. With Kohli now aligning himself with AAP, it remains to be seen whether he becomes the party’s candidate for the anticipated Jalandhar Central bypoll or general election, should it take place.
