Varanasi fight not a battle of prestige, but one to save nation, says Kejriwal

Varanasi, April 27
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has said his fight against BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi is not a “battle of prestige” but one to save the country from corrupt forces. Kejriwal said the party’s electoral win in Varanasi and Amethi would be “enough to shake up the country” even if the rookie party does not win 100 seats in the Lok Sabha poll.

“Modiji brought me to Varanasi. And this is not a battle of prestige, but one to save the country from corrupt forces like the BJP and the Congress,” Kejriwal told IANS after his hectic and back-breaking campaigning in the temple town.

In Amethi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Kumar Vishwas against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Asked whether it was purely out of electoral reasons that he decided to contest in Varanasi, Delhi's former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal said: “It is not so... Wherever the Aam Aadmi Party enters once, it maintains an everlasting tie with that place and its people. We have come to Varanasi and we will never leave it.”

Varanasi will go to the polls May 12. The contest between the Gujarat chief minister and Kejriwal is the most keenly-watched contest, in which the former seems to have the upper hand. Both the leaders filed their nomination papers accompanied by large numbers of supporters and their cavalcades.

Modi's road show - a day after Kejriwal's - was joined by thousands, sending out a strong signal of his popularity. Besides Modi, Congress' Ajay Rai is another contender. Asked about the number of seats AAP was hoping to muster in the house of 543, Kejriwal said: “We will get what people will give. I am not worried about the results. “Imagine you seeing news on TV and coming to know that both Modiji and Rahul Gandhiji got defeated. “The Congress will be destroyed and BJP will cease to exist,” he added. As to why the over a-year-old party did not wait for the 2019 General elections, Kejriwal answered: “People said we should have contested 30 seats (in Lok Sabha) and gradually taken the graph higher, but that is conventional politics. "Had we waited till 2019, the country would not have been there,” he said. Perhaps, the biggest challenge for Kejriwal is to justify his resignation from Delhi's chief ministership to the voters of Varanasi.

“You have only one point against me that I resigned from the post of Delhi Chief Minister. But I did no corruption whereas Modiji is the agent of Ambani. “All I have to do is to convince people, and they are getting convinced,” Kejriwal told IANS.

“The comparison is between the one who resigned, and the one who is looting the country,” he said. After running the Delhi government for 49 days, Kejriwal and his Cabinet quit the government over the defeat of the anti-graft Jan Lokpal bill by the BJP and the Congress in the Assembly. Despite all the challenges in the Hindu holy city, Kejriwal is confident of winning against Modi. “My political assessment is that the BJP will not get more than 160 seats and Modi will not become Prime Minister. BJP's president Rajnath is waiting for the right opportunity.”

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

AAP can upset calculations of bigwigs

Tribune News Service

Mohali, April 27
If the political aficionados of the area are to be believed, the underwater current of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could upset the calculation of the two major parties, the Congress and SAD in the Anandpur Sahib Parliamentary constituency.

“Undoubtedly, the main contest seems to be between Congress stalwart Ambika Soni and Shiromani Akali Dal old war horse Prem Singh Chandumajra. But one can not take AAP lightly here,” said Harminder Singh Mavi, state president of Panchayats Union, Punjab.

Even local leaders of both the Congress and SAD admitted that AAP could fetch a good number of votes from both urban and rural areas. Interestingly, the leaders of both the parties claimed that the AAP factor will not disturb their vote bank but affect their rival.

The AAP leaders too are confident of good performance. “People are fed up with both the BJP and Congress and want change. As we are getting good response during our election campaign from rural and urban areas of the constituency, we are hopeful of good results,” said Ajit Singh Bhambra, convener of AAP in Mohali. The party is hopeful that most of the silent voters, neutral ones and youngsters will favour them.

The AAP party got a shot in arm today when several Akali Dal Taksali leaders and activists announced to join the party at Kumbhra village. The residents of Gadana village too have announced their full support to the party.

While Congress activists and local leaders are confident of huge backing of voters due to SAD’s anti-incumbency factor and big political stature of Ambika Soni in comparison of her rivals. Prem Singh Chandumajra is confident of getting a sizeable number of votes for him being local. “People will reject Ambika Soni as she is a paratrooper,” said Chandumajra, who along with his family members and supporters is in no mood to leave any stone unturned to win.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Drugs devouring youth, but leaders unconcerned: Yadav

AAP leader blames ruling alliance, Cong for ills facing Punjab Sarbjit Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 24
Waving from an open jeep under a scorching sun, AAP ideologue Yogendra Yadav arrives to a grand welcome at Urban Estate, Patiala, on Thursday. As soon as he gets down from the vehicle, he is swarmed by AAP supporters. Without wasting any time, he settles on a green carpet laid on the ground. Supporting an AAP cap, a boy jostles through the crowd to offer him a glass of water. “Please make way for me, Yadavji needs to have medicine,” he tries to convince those surrounding the AAP leader.

As Yadav has lunch, the party’s Patiala candidate, Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, tries to brief him about the main issues concerning the constituency. But, Yadav appears to be in the know of things, appearing he has been keenly following the developments in Punjab. His stint at Panjab University, Chandigarh, for a few years in the 1990s, probably, has kept his interest in the state alive.

Though he can speak Punjabi, he communicates better in English and Hindi. Attired in a light-grey ‘kurta pyajama’, the usually soft-spoken Yadav adopts a tough stance while mounting attack on the SAD-BJP government and the Congress. He takes to participatory pattern to involve the audience in the dialogue.

Without naming anyone, he raises questions to seek replies from the audience: “Who is patronising the sale of drugs in Punjab? Who has hijacked the public transport? Who is minting money by selling ‘reta-bajri’ (sand and gravel) at a high premium?” Those present name some politicians in unison.

Appearing charged by Yadav’s speech, the audience, including some retired IAS and IRS officers, blames certain SAD-BJP leaders for the wrongdoings.

Yadav then alerts the supporters: “The ruling combine is facing huge anti-incumbency and its leadership is in panic. They will resort to all kinds of foul means on the polling day. You must remain watchful. Stay outside the polling booths from morning till late evening.”

The AAP leader now raises more questions, this time targeting the SAD-BJP alliance: “Will you elect the MPs of the SAD-BJP coalition, the government which has failed to protect your children from drugs? Will you support the leaders whose parties have allowed the sale of sand and gravel in black market and permitted the sand mafia to flourish?”

Punjab’s one generation has fallen victim to militancy whereas the next is being devoured by drugs, and the ruling coalition appears unconcerned, he alleges.

Yadav next takes on the Congress, describing the party’s rule at the Centre as a “period of record scams”.

“While the Congress is projecting its vice-president Rahul Gandhi as the country’s heir apparent, the BJP claims only Narendra Modi can guide India’s future. But in reality, both are unfit to rule our democracy. While Rahul symbolises dynastic politics, Modi is a dictator. Both believe in corporatisation. Rahul has been creating anti-BJP fear among the minorities whereas Modi is for complete domination of a particular community,” he quips.

Yadav now turns to the youth, considered to be AAP’s main support base. “I have seen an astonishing shine in the eyes of the Punjabi youth. It is a signal that the broom (AAP symbol) will sweep the nation. Punjab has always remained at the forefront of various movements and the same will happen this time too,” says Yadav as he concludes his address. He dismounts from the stage, shakes hands with a few supporters. The crowd rushes towards Yadav and waves at him as he gets into his jeep again, to proceed to his next rally.

‘Response better than that in Delhi, Haryana’

Patiala/Sangrur: Claiming that miracles did happen, like the one that happened in the 2013 Delhi assembly poll where the AAP drubbed major political outfits, party leader Yogendra Yadav today said the AAP’s prospects in Punjab were better than that in neighbouring Haryana and Delhi.

Yadav, who contested from Gurgaon, said given the support to AAP in Punjab, elections in Punjab would no more be bipolar between the SAD-BJP alliance and the Congress. “AAP will play a decisive role in Punjab politics,” he said. The AAP leader started his roadshow from Banur along with party’s Patiala candidate Dr Dharamvira Gandhi. After passing through the streets of Banur and Rajpura, he halted at Urban Estate, Patiala, to address a rally. He discarded the theory that AAP was only doing the work of eating into the vote share of various political parties in Punjab. In Sangrur, Yadav held a rally around 8:30 pm. He claimed that Bathinda candidate Bhagwant Mann would win by a record margin.

Appeal for sting ops

Chandigarh: Alerting Aam Aadmi Party supporters about the alleged distribution of drugs, liquor and money and use of muscle-power to influence voters by powerful political parties in the state, party leader Yogendra Yadav said they should use the Delhi technique in Punjab. "We prepared teams of volunteers to resort to sting operations to gather evidence of distribution of liquor, money and drugs in New Delhi Assembly elections and politicians behind it," said Yadav.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Silent, neutral voters will go with AAP, says Yadav

Akash Ghai
Tribune News Service

Mohali, April 24
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Yogendra Yadav kicked off his election campaign in Punjab by holding a roadshow here this morning.

In around two hours, his roadshow covered the town and surrounding areas, including Kharar and Banur.

A former journalist and a member of the core team of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Yadav rode an open jeep while canvassing for Advocate Himmat Singh Shergill, the party’s candidate from the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency.

In his 10-minute address at the Phase V market where the roadshow culminated, Yadav said the AAP provided an option to those voters who wanted a complete change in the system and a corruption-free government.

He targeted candidates of the Congress and the BJP-SAD combine claiming that they have looted the country by turns. “If voted to power, the AAP would provide you a corruption-free government,” claimed Yadav, adding that the silent and neutral voters would go with the AAP.

Earlier, Yadav was accorded warm welcome by the party’s supporters at Phase XI, the starting point of the roadshow. His cavalcade passed through Phases 10, 9, 8, 7, 3B2 and Phase 5. Later, Yadav left for Kharar and Banur. From there, he was reportedly scheduled to go to Patiala, Sangrur and Bathinda.

Poll code violated?

While the local AAP leaders boasted about participation of over 100 vehicles in the roadshow today, the fact has brought the party’s show under the scanner of district electoral office authorities.

The party had sought permission for only five vehicles and two rickshaws for the roadshow. Confirming this, Mohali SDM-cum-Assistant Returning Officer Lakhmir Singh said, “We got the information that the number of vehicles in the roadshow was much more. We would see the video footage of the show and an action would be initiated in case there was any violation of the model code.”

No traffic chaos

With AAP activists also regulating traffic at various points on the route of the roadshow, no traffic jam was reported during the campaign today. The participants adhered to the traffic rules and did not jump red signals.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

अमेठी में राहुल और बनारस से मोदी के हारने के बाद कांग्रेस-बीजेपी टूट जाऐगी-अरविंद केजरीवाल

अमेठी, 20/4/2014

अपने तीन दिवसीय दौरे पर अमेठी आये आम आदमी पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय संयोजक अरविंद केजरीवाल ने कहा कि अमेठी से राहुल गांधी और बनारस से नरेन्द्र मोदी के हारने के बाद कांग्रेसी और बीजेपी टूट जाएगी। तीन दिवसीय दौरे के पहले दिन अमेठी और गौरीगंज विधानसभा क्षेत्रों में दौरे के दौरान लोगों से मुलाकात के दौरान अरविंद केजरीवाल ने कहा कि अमेठी के लोगों का उत्साह देखकर साफ समझ आ रहा है कि अमेठी से राहुल गांधी की हार तय है और डॉ कुमार विश्वास कम से कम 2 लाख वोटों से जीत हासिल करेंगे।

दिल्ली के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री केजरीवाल ने कहा कि बनारस की जनता ने मोदी को नकार दिया है। बनारस में आम आदमी की जीत तय है और यहां हमारी भारी अन्तर से जीत होगी। केजरीवाल ने कहा कि पूरी कांग्रेस को आज भ्रष्टाचार की जननी के तौर पर देखा जाता है। देश में कहीं भी बड़े घोटाले होते हैं कांग्रेस के लोग शामिल दिखते हैं।

अमेठी में सड़क, बिजली, पानी, शौचालय जैसी समस्याओं पर बोलते हुए अरविंद केजरीवाल ने कहा कि पूरी अमेठी को देखकर महसूस नहीं होता कि ये एक वीवीआईपी सीट है। यहां के सांसद राहुल गांधी ने विकास के नाम पर कुछ नहीं किया। 49 दिनों की अपनी सरकार के बारे में बताते हुए अरविंद केजरीवाल ने कहा कि केवल 49 दिनों में दिल्ली में बिजली और पानी के दामों में कमी का फैसला ऐतेहासिक था। देश के राजनीतिक इतिहास में ऐसा कभी नहीं हुआ जब किसी भी राजनीतिक दल ने इतनी जल्दी फैसले ले लिये हों।

अमेठी से आप के प्रत्याशी डॉ कुमार विश्वास ने "दो दो जगह से लड़ता है, मोदी हमसे डरता है" नारा देते हुए कहा कि असल में मोदी आम आदमी पार्टी से घबराये हुए हैं। इसलिए उन्होंने दो-दो जगह से पर्चा दाखिल किया है। डॉ विश्वास ने कहा कि आम आदमी पार्टी को अमेठी की जनता स्वीकार कर चुकी है और ऐसा कोई कारण नहीं होता कि अमेठी से आप के प्रत्याशी की सीट न निकले।

अरविंद केजरीवाल ने अपने तीन दिवसीय दौरे के पहले दिन शुरुवात टीकर माफी स्थित स्वामी परमहंस महाराज आश्रम में पहुंचकर माथा टेककर की। इसके बाद उन्होंने भादर, अयोध्यानगर, पीपरपुर, दुर्गापुर, रामगंज, ढेमा बाज़ार, संग्रामपुर , बढगांव, बिशेसरगंज, अमेठी, बारामासी चौराहा औरगौरी गंज में रोड शो और जनसम्पर्क किया। सभी क्षेत्रों में लोगों ने राष्ट्रीय संयोजक अरविंद केजरीवाल का फूल-मालाओं से स्वागत किया और समर्थन देने का भरोसा जताया। इसी बीच अरविंद केजरीवाल संग्रामपुर स्थित कालिकन धाम में भी पूजा-अर्चना करने गये।

दुर्गापुर में स्थानीय लोगों ने अरविंद केजरीवाल से शिकायत करते हुए कहा कि दुर्गापुर को अमेठी लोकसभा क्षेत्र के अन्तर्गत रखा गया है। जिससे आम लोगों को करीब 40 किलोमीटर दूर गौरीगंज में अपने विधिक और कानूनी कार्यों के लिए जाना पड़ता है। जबकि सुल्तानपुर केवल 12 किलोमीटर दूर है। इसलिए उनके क्षेत्र को सुल्तानपुर से जोड़ा जाए। अरविंद केजरीवाल ने दुर्गापुर के स्थानीय निवासियों से बातचीत की और आश्वासन दिया कि डॉ कुमार विश्वास आपके क्षेत्र से सांसद चुने जाते हैं तो वो इस समस्या का समाधान जरुर करेंगे।

Source Link" http://aamaadmiparty.org

Moderate polling in the sixth phase of LS poll

NEW DELHI: Moderate polling was recorded in 117 seats spread across 11 states that went to polls on Thursday.

Nearly 40 per cent of the electorate cast their vote in the first seven hours of polling in 117 constituencies in 11 states and Union Territory of Puducherry amid stray incidents of violence which left a policeman dead in Assam and 13 others injured in other states.

The fate of 2076 candidates will be decided by 18 crore voters in the polls in which stakes are high for Congress, BJP and a number of other parties like AIADMK, DMK, NCP and Shiv Sena.

Prominent candidates in the fray include Mulayam Singh Yadav, Sushma Swaraj, Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja, Salman Khurshid and Shahnawaz Hussain

In all, elections to 349 of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies will be completed in today’s exercise in the nine-phased poll. Polling for the remaining 194 seats will be held on April 30 (89 seats), May 7 (64) and May 12 (41).

Counting of votes will take place on May 16.

Polling was stopped at five polling booths in Assam after violence in Kokrajhar parliamentary seat left a policeman dead and one injured.

Officials said a Border Security Force (BSF) platoon deployed in village Balapra and Harbhanga for poll security duties opened fire to save election officials and police personnel after a group of 40 people tried to capture a booth.

Violence was also reported in Dausa in Rajasthan where a mob of 50 people tried to entered a polling booth in Satha, leading the ITBP to open 14 rounds of fire in the air.

Five persons, including four photojournalists, were injured in Dausa when irate villagers clashed with security forces.

The photojournalists were part of a media team covering the polling in Dausa constituency and were going to Satha village from Mahua town.

In Uttar Pradesh, over 36.62 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first six hours in 12 seats to decide the fate of 188 candidates.

Three persons were injured following a clash between RLD and BJP supporters in Daulatpur village in Mathura. Both sides opened fire and indulged in brickbatting, police said.

In Jharkhand, four Congress workers were injured in a clash with supporters of the Marxist Coordination Committee during polling in Dhanbad Lok Sabha constituency.

An estimated 28.03 per cent polling was registered in the initial hours in four Lok Sabha constituencies of Jharkhand.

An incident of stone pelting was also reported at a booth in Anantnag Parliamentary seat in south Kashmir, which had witnessed an attack on political workers recently.

Voter turnout was impressive in Tamil Nadu which witnessed about 40 per cent of the electorate exercising franchise till noon.

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, MDMK founder Vaiko, Union Minister in the PMO V Narayanasamy seeking re-election in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Tamil actors Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan were among the early voters.

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri, Union Finance Finance Minister P Chidambaram, DMK Treasurer M K Stalin and Kanimozhi were other promiment personalities who exercised their right.

Maharashtra witnessed top corporate honchos and Bollywood celebrities making a beeline to cast their vote.

Nearly 15 per cent turnout was recorded in the first few hours in 19 seats across Maharashtra in the third and final phase of elections in the state.

In the financial capital Mumbai, captains of industry, including Adi Godrej and Anil Ambani, were among the early birds from India Inc to cast their votes.

Bollywood stars Aamir Khan, Rekha, Vidya Balan, Sunny Deol, Sonam Kapoor added a dash of glamour to the voting process by casting their vote in different booths in Mumbai.

Over 34 per cent voter turnout was recorded in ten Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh where voters will decide the fate of 118 candidates including Sumitra Mahajan and Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan.

An impressive voter turnout was recorded in West Bengal where nearly 51 per cent votes were cast till noon in six Parliamentary constituencies in the second phase of the five-phase election to decide the fate of 78 candidates.

While over 37 per cent voting was recorded till noon during final phase of polling in Assam’s six Lok Sabha seats, around 37 per cent polling was recorded till 1 PM in seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar.

In Rajasthan, an average 29 per cent voting was registered during the initial hours in five Parliamentary constituencies.

About 35 per cent of electorate cast their votes in the first three hours of polling in seven Lok Sabha constituencies of Chhattisgarh.

After starting out on a dull note, polling picked up in most parts of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, but remained affected in Pulwama district.

Polling was briefly stopped at a polling station in Koil in Pulwama after some persons pelted stones on the booth, prompting police to fire warning shots. — Agencies

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Kejri pips Modi in Time poll

New York, April 23
Aam Aadmi Party founder Arvind Kejriwal is leading the Time magazine's readers’ poll of 100 most influential people in the world with the highest percentage of “yes” votes, pipping BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and American singer Katy Perry.

With some three weeks left in India's marathon election, Indian politicians are dominating the list.

As of Tuesday morning, about 3,168,308 people had cast a 'yes' or 'no' vote for Kejriwal, while more than 5,075,588 had voted for Modi.

Till now, Kejriwal, 45, has received 71.5 per cent 'yes' and 28.5 'no' votes.

Modi (63) had a greater percentage of 'no' votes than any other influential personalities in the running, beating out both Perry and Justin Bieber for naysayers.

Modi has received 49.7 'yes' and 50.3 per cent 'no' votes.

Each year, Time publishes an editor-curated list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Before the issue comes out, TIME runs an online poll where readers can cast their vote for to where politicians, actors, musicians and athletes should rank on the list.

The top of the poll has otherwise been dominated by the entertainment industry figures. After Kejriwal and Modi, Egyptian military commander Abdul Fattah al-Sisi was the next world figure on the list.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi (43), with about 96,070 reactions, ranked 40th on the list. — PTI

100 most influential people in the world

• The AAP convener has so far received 71.5% ‘yes’ and 28.5 % ‘no’ votes; while Modi 49.7 % ‘yes’ and 50.3 % 'no' votes in readers’ poll for 100 most influential people
• Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is ranked 40th on the list with 96,070 reactions

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

It’s a fight against corruption, says AAP candidate

Our Correspondent

Mohali, April 23
Himmat Singh Shergill, AAP candidate from the Anandpur Sahib constituency, said today that his party was fighting against corruption. He sought answers from the Congress and SAD candidates to various scams that took place under the governments led by the two parties.

While talking to The Tribune, Shergill said Congress candidate Ambika Soni should give answers to various scams like the 2G, Commonwealth Games, Coalgate, Adarsh and others before seeking votes in the constituency. These scams involved lakhs of crores of public money.

Shergill said the Congress cleverly shifted Ravneet Singh Bittu, sitting MP from Anandpur Sahib, when he was to face the questions of the voters of the area.

Shergill said the truth behind Robert Vadra’s increase in wealth in a short time should be exposed before the people.

Launching an attack on the SAD-BJP government in Punjab, Shergill alleged that the Badals were involved in the sand and gravel scam in the state. The prices of these items had increased sharply due to the shortage created deliberately.

He said Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal did not have much property when he entered the political arena. Now, his family owned two five-star hotels, planes, transport companies and TV channels. Badal also gave ministerial berths to his family members.

The AAP candidate went from shop to shop in some areas seeking votes here today. He said a road show would be organised here tomorrow under the leadership of AAP leader Yogendra Yadav. It would start from Phase XI and terminate at Phase V, where a rally would be held.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

AAP’s Jassi found guilty of dual votes

Megha Mann
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 23
The Mohali District Election Office has indicted Aam Aadmi Party candidate from the Bathinda seat and Punjabi singer Jasraj Singh Longia, also known as Jassi Jasraj, for having enrolled himself as voter at two places under different names. Jasraj faces a criminal case for dual votes. In his complaint to Returning Officer Kamal Kishore Yadav, Pradeep Singh Sidhu from Rampura had alleged that Longia had enrolled himself as voter at two places in his home district of Mohali. Jassi’s confidant Ram Singh Azad has announced support for the Congress-PPP-CPI candidate from Bathinda, Manpreet Badal. He alleged that a TV channel, known to be owned by the Akalis, had been giving Jassi a lot of air time to ensure that the anti-incumbency votes went to AAP and not Manpreet. The AAP candidate is enrolled as voter serial number 995, part 221, Mohali, under the name of Jasraj Singh Longia, resident of Sector 71 Mohali. He is also registered as voter serial number 736, part 212, Mohali, as Karan Jasvir of Sector 70, Mohali.

Yadav said it was being ascertained if, while changing his name from Karan Jasbir to Jasraj Singh Longia, the candidate had undertaken the necessary legal steps.”

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Ilmi defends her remark, says the tone and tenor was ironic

NEW DELHI: A day after creating a controversy over her statement that Muslims should become “communal for their own good, AAP leader Shazia Ilmi on Wednesday sought to defend herself, saying the remarks made had been picked up from a casual conversation and her tone and tenor was ironic.

“This comment has been picked up from a casual conversation and in an informal setting. It is quite clear from the tone and tenor of the comment that I am using the term secular and communal in an ironic manner”, she told reporters.

“Point is to simply say that the Muslim community has been allowed itself to be used far too long by the so-called secular parties. It would be better for the community to turn to their real-life material interest like education and employment,” she said.

Ilmi said that her statement was being distorted and misconstrued.

“It is to be noted that I am making a plea to vote for a candidate who is not a Muslim and in the name of a leader who is not a Muslim. I am shocked to see that a statement like this can be so distorted and misconstrued as communal and inciting hatred.

“My party and I have always stood against any form of communalism and I shall continue to do so,” she said.

Ilmi found herself at the centre of a controversy on Tuesday over her remarks that Muslims should become “communal” for their own good when they vote this time and not be “too secular”.

“Don’t be much secular. Muslims are too secular and they should become communal. They are not communal and do not vote for themselves. Arvind Kejriwal is ours. Muslims have remained secular for long… have voted for the Congress and helped them win. Don’t be so secular and look at your house (community) this time.

“Other parties have their vote bank intact and Muslim votes split. This is a controversial statement, but we should look at our own interest,” Ilmi had said in a video that surfaced on Tuesday. The party, however, has distanced itself from the remarks made by her.

“All our representatives should be careful in their choice of words so that there is no scope for misinterpretation,” the AAP said in a message posted on its Twitter handle. — PTI

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Kejriwal files nomination, takes potshots at Modi, Rahul

VARANASI: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal today filed his nomination for the high-profile Varanasi Lok Sabha seat and accused Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi of spending huge sums of money in the ongoing electoral battle which, he said, was all about eliminating corruption.

The anti-graft crusader submitted his documents to the Returning Officer after a two-and-a-half-hour roadshow which was attended by the top brass of the AAP, hundreds of party volunteers and a large number of people.

Kejriwal, who led his fledgling party to a spectacular performance in the Delhi Assembly poll last year, filed four sets of nomination papers.

Before entering the fray from the holy city, the AAP leader held a roadshow describing the polls as a fight to "save democracy" and appealed to the people to bring a change in the political system.

"This is not my fight. This fight is for those who want to eradicate corruption. The fight is for those who want to see the Ganges clean. This is a fight to have good roads in Varanasi and eliminate poverty," he said.

Kejriwal accused BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, his formidable opponent in the battle for Varanasi seat, and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi of spending huge sums of money on electioneering, saying the ongoing exercise is all about "eliminating corruption and ensuring inclusive growth".

"I was told Modi is spending Rs 5,000 crore in the election. Gandhi is also spending a lot of money. You watch TV, read newspapers, see billboards, they are there and everywhere.

"So much money has been spent on advertisements. This is black money. The people who are giving the money will make at least Rs 5 lakh crore if he (Modi) captures power and it will be people’s money," he said. — PTI

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Kejriwal slams Modi, Rahul for their 'helicopter democracy'

VARANASI: Pitching his 'aam-aadmi' credentials, Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday hit out at Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi for their "helicopter democracy" while projecting himself as an "honest" alternative.

On his way to file his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha poll from this holy city, the AAP leader highlighted the "massive" spending in the advertisement campaigns for BJP's prime ministerial candidate and Congress vice-president and asked people to decide what kind of democracy they want.

"Somebody was saying that Modi is spending Rs 5,000 crore in advertisements. Gandhi is also spending a lot of money. You watch TV, read newspapers, see billboards, they are there and everywhere. If he (Modi) is elected to power, he will make at least Rs 5 lakh crore.

"I am a fakir. I have no money. I will run a campaign on your money. You decide what do you want," he told a road show.

Accusing Gandhi of cheating the people of Amethi, Kejriwal said people told him that they kept electing the "family" member in hope their constituency will be developed. "Nothing happened and they feel cheated," he said.

"They (people) don't get to see him. They see only his helicopter flying in the sky. I hope it does not happen in Varanasi that you are pointed to a flying chopper and told that your leader (Modi) is there ... You decide if you want helicopter democracy or somebody who goes to villages and mohallas" he said.

Kejriwal is contesting against Modi in the high profile UP constituency. — PTI

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Witty comedian takes up ‘broom’ to clean the system

Minna Zutshi
Tribune News Service

Sangrur, April 22
It's a warm and sunny morning that turns cloudy for some time before the sun reclaims its position. But weather is the last thing on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Bhagwant Mann's mind.

Mann, who is contesting from the Sangrur Lok Sabha constituency, has more than 200 villages to cover for his campaign. He has already visited 300 villages, a no mean feat. His vocal cords are giving way. They need rest, he has been told. But his priority is elections. And the comedian-turned-politician is taking his new role seriously. After his switch from the People's Party of Punjab (PPP) to AAP, he has had to answer uneasy questions like why he quit the PPP to join AAP. By now, he has become adept in tackling these questions.

Mann's public meetings start around 6 am. But his day starts at 4.30 am. He is a 'net' person. He checks e-mails, posts messages on his Facebook page, talks on Skype and reads e-papers even before the sun is up. "This is my routine. It is not poll-centric. I have been doing it for years. The only difference is that now most of my supporters from abroad discuss elections and our talk veers around the polls."

At least one hour is devoted to meetings with party workers and supporters to discuss the day's schedule. By 1 pm, Mann has covered around eight villages adjoining Sangrur city. Next is a meeting with members of the District Bar Association. Even as he speaks like a consummate politician, his perfect comic timing is hard to miss.

Man(n) on a mission

Before addressing the gathering of advocates, he asks them to switch off their mobile phones. "The mobiles were meant for emergency. We are now living in a perpetual state of emergency," he says, poker-faced.

The next moment, he looks solemn. There is a rather strident note in his voice. The Akali Dal-BJP government is interested in keeping the masses uneducated, he alleges, while trashing the "pro-poor" schemes of the government.

Mann says: "The bridges (in Punjab) are desperate for their inauguration. The bridges are ready. Their inauguration awaits politicians' nod." He addresses the issue of brain drain, blaming the political leaders for having failed to provide jobs to the youth. "The youth are leaving their motherland for foreign shores. Instead of making the economic and political conditions in the state conducive for the youth to stay back, the Badal government was seen reassuring the people that they will take up the visa issue with the British government," he says in a voice laced with sarcasm.

Training his guns on Congress candidate Vijay Inder Singla, he claims that 95 per cent villagers in the constituency say they have never seen Singla (who is the Sangrur MP) visit their village.

A brief interaction with the advocates follows. Mann is asked why he quit the PPP to join AAP. His argument goes: "The Congress is the root cause of corruption and Manpreet Singh Badal forged an alliance with it. The Congress also approached me and offered me the Rajya Sabha ticket from Maharashtra. But I declined. I told them that I am on a mission, not on a commission. I joined AAP unconditionally."

Broom talk

At a meeting at Bhindran village, Mann's speech is shorter. His gestures are louder and more emphatic. "Drugs are ruining our children," he thunders. He narrates a tale from the animal kingdom to draw a comparison between the BJP and the Congress. The bottom-line: "For those who want to rid the country of corruption, here is a chance. Clean the morass with a broom."

The next stop is at the nearby Ghabdan village. Here, Mann makes fun of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's penchant to have his photo affixed on various things that are doled out to the underprivileged as part of the state government's welfare schemes. He takes a dig at Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal's promise to make Punjab a California of India: "There is no need to turn Punjab into California. Let's make it a rangla (colourful and happy) Punjab."

Criticising the Badal government's "publicity overdrive" vis-à-vis kabaddi tourneys, he again delves into his repertoire of witty tales.

Raising the pitch for a change in governance, he says, "A broom is used to clean the house. It is also 'used' when a woman desires to teach a lesson to her drunkard husband."

As the day's campaign in rural areas draws to a close, Mann has covered close to 20 villages. He's ready for the road show in the city. He wants to visit each and every village and also reach out to the electorate in urban areas.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

AAP effect hard to miss

Sarbjit Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 21
While the AAP impact on the SAD manifesto is hard to miss, it also appears to be a balancing act between two schools of thought, one represented by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the other by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal. Taking a cue from AAP, the SAD manifesto declares: “Punjab is now the first state in the country to embrace a culture of governance in which the citizen is the king”.

With AAP attacking corruption, the SAD has declared that it is committed to providing a clean, transparent, responsive and accountable administration.

Responding to AAP's criticism of the VIP culture, the SAD says it is committed to "creating an environment in which every citizen feels and is treated as a VIP." It also talks of effective measures to check corruption and black money.

The use of a strong words against the Congress point to the CM's hand in shaping the manifesto. Badal has always had the Congress as his first target. The manifesto says: “Successive Congress governments at the Centre and in Punjab treated the state almost as a colony and its brave and patriotic people as subjects and systematically looted and discriminated against them”.

When contacted, the primary author of the manifesto and SAD general secretary, Harcharan Bains, said: “Panthic agenda is the foundation of SAD's political ideology and the manifesto has been built on it”.

The SAD has devoted a full chapter to Congress-bashing. It has raised the issues of non-transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi-speaking areas to Punjab, denial of big projects, discrimination against the Punjabi language and Delhi riots.

Reflecting Sukhbir’s school of thought, the manifesto talks of express ways, introducing the metro in cities, more domestic flights, recreational parks, superfast trains, IT, medical and education hubs and governance reforms.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Parties redraw strategies as AAP makes inroads into Malwa belt

An Akali Dal survey shows AAP getting 15% vote share in the Lok Sabha elections

Ruchika M Khanna
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 21
With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) making inroads into the crucial Malwa region of Punjab, political parties are now redrawing their campaign strategies to ensure a win at the hustings.

The Aam Aadmi Party seems to have a good following in Malwa. Significantly, seven of the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies- Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur and Ludhiana- are in this region. With AAP eating into the traditional vote bank of the Congress and the SAD, these parties have been forced to change their poll strategies.

A survey conducted by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to assess the impact of AAP in Punjab, turned out to be an eye-opener for the party that had dismissed AAP as a fledgling outfit. Sources say the survey showed that AAP was likely to get a 15 per cent vote share in the Lok Sabha elections with the anti -incumbency votes going to AAP.

Surveys by other agencies show AAP getting 13 per cent-15 per cent votes in the state. While the Akalis claim that the anti- incumbency sentiment against the Congress-led UPA Government will translate into votes for AAP, Congress leaders in the fray maintain that the anti-incumbency sentiment against the SAD-BJP Government in Punjab will work in their favour.

During the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, the SAD- BJP vote share in Punjab was 43.91 per cent (SAD’s vote share was 33.85%). The Congress had secured 45. 23 per cent votes.

As campaigning reaches a feverish pitch, it is evident that both parties are losing their vote share to AAP. If in Patiala, AAP is eating into the Congress votes, in Bathinda AAP candidate is hurting the prospects of the SAD candidate. In Sangrur, AAP's Bhagwant Mann is eating into the Congress as well as the SAD vote share. In Ludhiana, AAP candidate HS Phoolka is taking away the Akali vote share.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD president has now reportedly decided to focus on micro management to ensure that his party does well in Malwa. With nine days left for campaigning coming to an end, Sukhbir will be canvassing aggressively in the Malwa belt.

Party’s chief patron and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will be throwing his weight behind the party candidates in the Majha and Doaba regions.

Problem areas for SAD

• In Patiala, AAP is eating into the Congress vote share
• In Bathinda, AAP candidate is hurting the prospects of the SAD candidate
• In Sangrur, AAP’s Bhagwant Mann is eating into the Cong and SAD votes
• In Ludhiana, HS Phoolka is taking away the Akali vote share

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Kejriwal hits out at Rahul, Modi

Amethi, April 20
Arwind Kejriwal today reached Congress bastion Amethi to campaign for AAP's Lok Sabha candidate Kumar Vishwas, and said both Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi must be "defeated" in the country's interest.

The former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief began his roadshow and corner meetings here backing Vishwas, who has been pitted against incumbent MP and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in the May 7 Lok Sabha polls.

Attacking Rahul and BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for their development claims, Kejriwal said their defeat would be in the interest of the nation and the people must end the tradition of dynasty politics.

He alleged that Gandhi family took the votes of Amethi people on sentimental ground, but never thought about the district's development.

Comparing his 49-day reign in Delhi with Rahul ten year rule here, Kejriwal said that he solved more problems in a short span than the Gandhi scion did in a decade.

"In Delhi, within a short span of 49 days, I solved so many problems, but Amethi is still loaded with issues related to portable water, poor power supply, typical roads and unemployment," he claimed.

Attacking Narendra Modi over his much touted Gujarat model, Kejriwal claimed, "people talk about Gujarat model, but development was no where to be seen in that state." Talking about the accusations leveled on him about being an "escapist", the AAP chief said, "I am not an escapist as Congress claims. I will put pressure on Congress here. (Mein yahan Congress ki chaati pe moong dalunga)." He said that his government in Delhi was running smoothly, but BJP and Congress did not let it happen. — PTI

Heckled by protesters

Arvind Kejriwal and his supporters were heckled by a group of women protesters during a road show in Ayodhyanagar. The women protesters raised slogans in favour of Congress candidate Rahul Gandhi and showed black flags to Kejriwal.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

AAP candidate holds road show

Tribune News Service

Mohali, April 19
Intensifying the poll campaign, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from the Anandpur Sahib constituency, Himmat Singh Shergill, today held a road show in the town. As many as 75 vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers, passed through all the main markets of the town during the roadshow, which commenced from Phase VII at around 11 am.

As advocate Shergill practices in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, several of his colleagues were in attendance to support him.

Shergill was accompanied by Mohali AAP convener Ajit Singh Bhanwara and Balwinder Singh Kumbhra, president of the District Panchayat Union.

Appealing to the masses to vote for him to help eradicate corruption, Shergill said, “The leaders of both the main political parties exploited the country during their respective regimes. The time has come to uproot these parties for the country’s progress and for a corruption-free society.”

Meanwhile, the cavalcade passed through Phase XI, X, IX, VIII, VII, 3B2, V, IV, II, I and village Balongi.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Ajit Pawar threatening villagers: AAP to EC

PUNE: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has landed in a fresh controversy after a video purportedly featuring him surfaced in which he allegedly threatened to cut off water supply to a village if people there did not vote for his cousin Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate for Baramati and former IPS officer Suresh Khopade has alleged in his complaint to Vadgaon police station on Thursday that Pawar issued the threat of cutting off water supply during an election speech at village Masalwadi on April 16, a purported video of which was aired on national television.

"If anybody from this village indulges in any trouble (failing to vote for Sule), I will cut off the water supply," he said in the dim and grainy TV footage after a villager reportedly insisted that he should announce a date to fix the water supply problem.

He also asked policemen to remove the villager even as somebody was heard desperately pleading "Sorry, Dada! Sorry, Dada". Ajit is fondly addressed as 'Ajit Dada' by his supporters.

Sule is seeking a second term from her father's pocket borough Baramati.

Assistant Police Inspector Vilas Bhosale said the police had received Khopade's complaint but no case has so far been registered against the Deputy CM.

He said the police and Election Commission officials would check the authenticity of the "poor quality" video before taking appropriate action.

"Due process will be followed after preliminary investigations into the complaint," he said.

Khopade, he said, had filed the complaint with the election officials and not the police as the video was shot during electioneering and related to alleged violation of the model code of conduct.

Bhosale said the concerned video had not been handed over to the police.

"Khopade made the complaint to the police belatedly on April 17 while the actual speech was purportedly made on April 16," he said.

The model code for elections prohibits campaigning 48 hours prior to the closing time for casting votes and Pawar could face the charge of violating the code as the video was purportedly shot just a day ahead of the poll on April 17.

Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule could not be contacted for their comments.

Water shortage is a major problem in the village and several others in the region and Ajit Pawar has often ruffled the feathers of the local people by his remarks on the issue.

"If there is no water in the dam should I urinate into it?," he had asked while responding to demands by a farmer agitating against inadequate availability of water in a dam in the area last year.

The NCP leader had followed up this comment laced with crass humour with another remark poking fun at load-shedding in the state, saying, "I have noticed that more children are being born since the lights go off at night. There is no other work left then."

As his remarks triggered outrage, Ajit had to tender apology in the legislative assembly. — PTI

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Gul Panag’s roadshow pulls crowds

Gurvinder Singh
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Chandigarh candidate Gul Panag today held a roadshow in favour of the party's Ludhiana candidate, HS Phoolka. Addressing the crowds, she asked people to vote for Phoolka who was honest and well-educated.

She said it for the first time that educated and honest people were contesting elections and they must not be let down. On AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal's decision to step down as Delhi CM, she said he had done so on moral grounds. “The resignation was symbolic - to tell the people that AAP would not bow to corrupt parties that had colluded to bring down the government,” she said. She said she and her husband had known singer Rabbi Shergill for several years and had convinced her to contest the elections.

Jalandhar: The AAP roadshow in the city, under the leadership of Rakhi Bidlan, received a lukewarm response. Bidlan (26) sought votes for party’s Jalandhar candidate Jyoti Mann (27). A thin crowd of 50 to 70 activists accompanied Bidlan’s cavalcade. Even outside educational institutions, there was little excitement among students. Bidlan and Mann both belong to the Balmiki community. The roadshow began from Lyallpur Khalsa College and ended at Company Bagh Chowk in the afternoon. Bidlan dismissed reports that Mann was a weak candidate.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Left parties to support four AAP candidates

Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, April 16 The state units of the CPM, CPI (ML) and CPI (ML) Liberation have decided to support candidates of the Aam Aadmi Party on four seats which these parties are not contesting.

CPM's state unit secretary Mangat Ram Pasla said the decision was taken to ensure strengthening of the sentiment against the Akali-BJP and Congress candidates.

The CPM and its allies in Punjab would support AAP candidates in Patiala (Dr Dharmavir Gandhi), Faridkot (Prof Sadhu Singh), Ferozepur (Satnam Paul Kamboj) and Hoshiarpur (Yamini Gohar).

Pasla said: "The voters are disillusioned with the Congress-led UPA in the Centre and the SAD-BJP coalition in the state. They want alternatives for both the options. Our aim is to back candidates who are opposed to these corrupt parties. AAP is a plausible alternative in the scenario."

"We had initially approached AAP for a coalition, but the latter preferred to go it alone. We will not support AAP candidates in other constituencies,” he added.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Gul Panag seeks support for Dr Gandhi

Akash Ghai
Tribune News Service

Mohali, April 16
While Bollywood actor Gul Panag may have been the star candidate in a place like Chandigarh, there seem to be few takers for her role as a campaigner for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in rural areas of Punjab on the city’s periphery.

Several rural folks did not know Gul Panag when she went to seek votes for the AAP during a poll campaign in an area of Punjab.

The campaign kicked off today with holding road shows in favour of AAP candidate from Patiala Dr Dharamvir Gandhi at Lalru, Dera Bassi, Zirkapur and their peripheral villages.

“Eh jharu waale aaye ne par asi kisi nu pehchande nahi” (These people are from the “Broom party”, AAP’s symbol, but we don’t recognise anybody). These were the words of Surinder Singh and his friend, both residents of Rurki village in the Lalru area.

Similarly, at Handesra village, a woman was heard saying “eh Gul Gulab (Panag) kaun hai" (who is this Gul Gulab). “Haan jhaaru waaliya da saanu pata hai” (We know about the AAP).

However, clad in a simple kurta and jeans and wearing sunglasses, the dimpled actor was the centre of attraction wherever she went today.

Rurki, Handesra, Jarot, Kasauli, Basauli, Rani Majra and Mirpur were some of the villages which Gul Panag covered today.

She left her house at 9 am today to join the party workers at Lalru, the first spot of the campaign.

The road shows in the entire area did not draw the expected response, particularly in the villages. The cavalcade of around 15 cars passed across several villages in the Lalru area, but got a lackluster response there.

Facing the scorching heat and dust for over four-five hours while roaming in an open jeep in the villages of the Lalru area, Panag felt sickness and skipped the programme at Dera Bassi. However, Dr Gandhi continued the programme along with the party activists of the area.

While some of the party workers claimed that she went to have her lunch at Zirakpur, her cousin and campaign manager CS Garewal said they were in a meeting with Bar Counsels.

She rejoined the entourage at Zirakpur after around three hours in the evening. Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Gul Panag said she was satisfied with the response of the rural folks.

“One important thing I have noticed about the rural people here is that they are more aware than the people living in the urban areas,” said Panag.

“They talk about their problems and want solutions. They seem virtually fed up with the false promises of the two big parties and want a change now,” said Panag.

The absence of proper educational institutes, primary health centres, roads and other basic infrastructure were the main issues in Punjab villages.

After the culmination of the elections in Chandigarh, the party has given her the responsibility to campaign for other AAP candidates in the state.

“Tomorrow, I will go to Ludhiana for the purpose. After that, I will hold rallies in Amritsar, Sangrur and other places,” said Panag.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Senior AAP leaders asked to canvass in state

Sarbjit Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15
Encouraged by the people's response to his three-day roadshow in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal has directed senior party leaders to rush to the state to further boost the campaign of the party candidates.

“The party has renewed its campaign strategy and will reach out to the maximum number of people in the coming days,” said Prof Manjit Singh, member of the party’s campaign committee.

The AAP leader, Yogendra Yadav, will arrive in Punjab on April 24 and campaign in various constituencies for four days. Rakhi Birla, former Minister in the Kejriwal Government, arrives tomorrow. She will campaign in Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana on April 16, Jalandhar and Anandpur Sahib on April 17 and Hoshiarpur and Patiala on April 18.

Jarnail Singh, AAP candidate from New Delhi, will also campaign in the state. the party's Chandigarh candidate, Gul Panag, has been told to focus on Patiala, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana districts.

Re-drawing strategy

• Yogendra Yadav will arrive on April 24
• Rakhi Birla to campaign in Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana on April 16, Jalandhar and Anandpur Sahib on April 17 and Hoshiarpur and Patiala on April 18
• Gul Panag to focus on Patiala, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana
• Sufi singer Rabbi Shergill will start the poll campaign from Khadoor Sahib on April 19

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Stones pelted at Shazia Ilmi's rally; AAP Nalanda candidate 'roughed up'

NEEMUCH (MP): Unidentified men raised slogans in support of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and pelted stones at the dais during an Aam Aadmi Party rally addressed by Shazia Ilmi here today.

She was addressing the rally in support of AAP candidate from the Mandsaur-Neemuch Lok Sabha seat Paras Saklecha.

As she began criticising Modi, the unidentified men started raising slogans in support of Modi and later pelted stones towards the dais, forcing her to stop her speech.

Later, AAP workers and police chased the men but they managed to flee the spot.

After the rally, Ilmi, along with AAP workers, marched towards Kotwali police station, filed a complaint and demanded registration of a case against BJP workers.

Ilmi told reporters that if they had guts they should come in front and throw stones, and that they should feel ashamed to pelt stones at a woman.

Superintendent of Police (CSP) Pankaj Dixit said that after watching the video recording of the event and CCTV footage, legal action would be taken in the matter.

AAP's district convenor Amit Sharma said anti-social elements of both the BJP and the Congress were involved in the incident. — PTI

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

AAP Nalanda candidate 'roughed up' during campaign

BIHARSHARIF: The Aam Admi Party candidate from Nalanda Parliamentary constituency, Pranab Prakash, was allegedly roughed up by a group of people and his car attacked during campaigning.

According to official sources, Prakash was on a campaign trail in Utarphu village under Bind police station of the district, about 20 km from district headquarters, when the incident took place last night.

"I was on my way when I was stopped by around 25 people.

I was dragged out of my car and they hit me on my head with lathis," Prakash said.

A large number of his supporters later staged protest outside the residences of District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police blaming ruling JD-U men for the ruckus.

Nalanda Lok Sabha seat, which is the native place of CM Nitish Kumar, will go to polls on April 17.

While the JD-U has fielded Kaushlendra Kumar, the Congress has nominated former state police chief Ashish Ranjan Sinha as joint candidate of the party and RJD.

BJP has extended support to LJP which has fielded Satyendra Sharma. — PTI

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Cong, BJP failed to help riot-hit: Kejri

Sushil Goyal
Tribune News Service

Sangrur, April 13
Concluding his roadshow by raising slogans such as “Jo bole so nihal, Sat Sri Akal”, and “Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh”, Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal termed the Lok Sabha elections a “dharam yudh”. He called upon the people to participate in this “war” in a big way to defeat the Congress and the BJP with a record margin.

Kejriwal lashed out at the Congress for doing nothing for the 1984 riot victims. He alleged even the SAD-BJP failed to provide relief to the victims as their NDA Government remained at the Centre for six years.

He said by attacking him in the public, his opponents could not stop him from speaking the truth. He alleged state minister Bikram Majithia had been pushing youths into drugs. He said people were in search of an alternative which they were seeing in AAP.

Kejriwal claimed that there was no Modi wave in the country as he had been seeing resentment among the masses against top leaders.

AAP candidate for Sangrur Bhagwant Mann introduced the party chief as Arvind Bansal Kejriwal. Sources said Mann had tried to win support of the Aggarwal community as Bansal was another gotra of the community.

Malerkotla: Kejriwal was accorded a warm welcome by a large number of supporters near Gurdwara Haa Da Naara Sahib here.

Supporters wearing party caps showered rose petals on their leader amid raising of slogans such as “Inquilab Zindabad”, “Arvind Kejriwal Zindabad” and “AAP Zindabad”. Mann accompanied Kejriwal in his vehicle during a roadshow here.

The crowd thronged the raods to have a glimpse of Kejriwal and listen to him. In his spirited speech, Kejriwal said: “Prominent political leaders are afraid of Kejriwal because I am one of you. They are afraid of the common man.” He told the people that they had got an opportunity to change the government and their lives and they should not miss this chance.

Kejriwal honoured Nursi Ram (65), a resident of Ravidass Nagar, Malerkotla. Ram, who had lost both his hands, earns his livelihood by pulling a rehri. Bhagwant Mann said: “It is only AAP that honours common persons instead of dignitaries or personalities”.

Mandi Ahmedgarh: Kejriwal tried to strike an emotional chord with members of various communities and groups by speaking on their respective religions and interests during his roadshow here.

Party candidates Harinder Singh Khalsa (Fatehgarh Sahib), HS Phoolka (Ludhiana) and Maan (Sangrur) accompanied Kejriwal for the roadshow that started from local bus stand and culminated at Jagera road after passing through Anuvarat Chowk, Old Bus Stand road, Chaura Bazaar, main market, Railway road, Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Ambedkar Chowk and Gaushala road.

Though the administration and party activists were cautious to prevent any untoward incident, Kejriwal shook hands and interacted freely with enthusiasts of all ages and groups. He accepted gifts presented by office-bearers and activists of various social and religious organisations.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

केजरी ने कभी नहीं कहा इस्तीफा देना भूल थी : आप

नई दिल्ली [नईदुनिया ब्यूरो]। अरविंद केजरीवाल द्वारा दिल्ली सरकार से इस्तीफा दिए जाने से संबंधित खबरों पर आम आदमी पार्टी ने आपत्ति जताई है। पार्टी की ओर से जारी एक ट्वीट में कहा गया है कि कुछ न्यूज चैनलों व अखबारों ने अरविंद के बयान को तोड़-मरोड़कर पेश किया।

पार्टी ने दावा किया कि अरविंद ने ऐसा कभी नहीं कहा कि दिल्ली सरकार से इस्तीफा देना एक भूल थी। पार्टी ने मीडिया से गुजारिश की है कि वह सही रिपोर्टिग करे, जिससे लोग भ्रमित न हों। गौरतलब है कि एक अंग्रेजी अखबार को दिए साक्षतकार के बाद मीडिया में यह खबर आई थी कि अरविंद केजरीवाल ने दिल्ली सरकार से इस्तीफा देने को भूल माना है।

Source Link: http://www.jagran.com

अमेठी में मेरे पास लाखों प्रियंका : कुमार

कानपुर, जासं। कांग्रेस पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय उपाध्यक्ष राहुल गांधी के पास चुनाव प्रचार के लिए एक प्रियंका है तो मेरे पास अमेठी में पांच लाख प्रियंका हैं। जमीनी आदमी हूं, आने वाली 16 मई को जनता के सामने हकीकत सामने आ जायेगी। यह कहना है आप के वरिष्ठ नेता व अमेठी से प्रत्याशी कुमार विश्वास का।

शनिवार को शहर से पार्टी के लोकसभा प्रत्याशी डॉ. महमूद रहमानी के पक्ष में उन्होंने रोड शो कर जनता से वोट मांगे। करीब तीन घंटे देरी से शाम 6:30 बजे जैसे ही कुमार विश्वास का काफिला लखनऊ के रास्ते पुराने गंगापुल पर पहुंचा तो हाथों में तिरंगा व चुनाव चिह्न झाडू लहरा रहे कार्यकर्ताओं ने नारेबाजी की और उन्हें फूल मालाओं से लाद दिया। खुली जीप में सवार विश्वास का काफिला कार्यकर्ताओं के साथ हाईवे के रास्ते हरजेंदर नगर से लाल बंगला होते हुए कैंट की तरफ निकल गया।

कुमार विश्वास फूलबाग स्थित गांधी प्रतिमा भी गये और माल्यार्पण किया। बिरहाना रोड, घंटाघर, बारादेवी, गोविंद नगर, विजय नगर, सर्वोदय नगर होते हुए शिक्षक पार्क में रोडशो समाप्त हुआ।

उन्होंने पत्रकारों से कहा कि कांग्रेस के पास मात्र तीन चेहरे है राहुल, सोनिया और प्रियंका जबकि उनके साथ आम जनता है। जो इन नेताओं को इस बार वोट की चोट से सबक सिखायेगी। पार्टी के चुनाव संयोजक योगेश श्रीवास्तव के पार्टी छोड़ने व रुपये लेकर टिकट बांटने के आरोप पर उन्होंने कहा कि अच्छा हुआ जो उन्होंने पार्टी छोड़ दी वरना चुनाव खराब कर देते।

Source Link: https://hindi.yahoo.com

Villagers swarm AAP chief’s roadshow at Khatkar Kalan

Aparna Banerjee
Tribune News Service

Khatkar Kalan (Nawanshahr), April 12
Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal today visited Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, to pay tributes to the martyr at his memorial. His visit was marked by support of thousands of people from across the state. He was joined by party activists and AAP’s Anandpur Sahib candidate Himmat Singh Shergill.

In a packed roadshow, Kejriwal’s walk from his vehicle to the memorial and back took at least half an hour as overzealous supporters swarmed in large numbers to meet him.

People from various villages from other constituencies too thronged Khatkar Kalan to extend their support. But their attempts to talk to Kejriwal proved futile due to a huge rush.

Balwant Singh (62), a shopkeeper from Khatkar Kalan, said: “The Akalis have ruined the state. The leaders only remember the village on March 23 every year when they hold a symbolic function to pay tributes to the martyrs. This man (Kejriwal) is the only one who has stepped down and mingled with the people. We see hope in AAP.”

Sethi, a commissioning agent from Udanwal village, said: “People are sick of corruption in politics. The silent vote will surely go in the favour of AAP.”

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

State ministers backing drug mafia: Kejri

Claims credit for getting a SIT formed to investigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 12
Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal today slammed the SAD-BJP Government for “failing” to curb the drug problem in Punjab. Speaking during his roadshow in the city, he alleged some ministers were hand in glove with drug peddlers. Interacting with a gathering at Dana Mandi here, Kejriwal urged the people to vote for change as it would reflect in their lives.

Kejriwal charged the parties with “playing the politics of hatred.” He promised the people to provide governance based on the principles of integrity and brotherhood.

The AAP leader said: “God has given us the mandate for cleaning the political landscape of our country with a broom. It is a signal that the public should also start wielding a broom.”

Kejriwal claimed that voting AAP to power was the only chance for the electorate to vote for change.

He charged the successive governments at the Centre with “failing to do justice” to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He claimed AAP was instrumental in getting an SIT formed to probe the matter.

He praised AAP candidate HS Phoolka, crediting him for spearheading the cause of the riot victims.

Many supporters of AAP were seen carrying brooms during the roadshow. They raised slogans like “Aa gaya bhai aa gaya, jharoo wala aa gaya”, “Niklo bahar makaanoo say, jang laro baimanoo say”. Earlier, Kejriwal kicked off his roadshow from old city area of Jalandhar bypass. He along with Phoolka travelled in an open jeep. Party supporters had formed a protective ring around him to prevent any untoward incident.

As Kejriwal's cavalcade passed through various parts of the city, commuters stopped by to listen to his speech. Some commuters praised Kejriwal for his “bold” and “pro-public” stance.

The five-hour roadshow, which culminated at Sarabha Nagar, led to traffic jams at various places.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Lok Sabha elections: Now, city candidates to campaign in other states

Rajinder Nagarkoti
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 11
Even after the elections are over for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, city candidates have no time to rest.

Now, Congress candidate Pawan Kumar Bansal, BJP candidate Kirron Kher and AAP candidate Gul Panag, will campaign for their respective parties in various parts of the country, especially in the neighboring states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Bansal today began campaigning for the Congress in the Zirakpur and Balongi areas of Mohali district. Bansal, who also spent time with his family members, especially with his grandchildren, said, "Today I held meetings with party workers to analyse the polling scenario in Chandigarh. Besides, I will now campaign for the party in nearby areas of Punjab, where polling for the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 30", he said.

Similarly, Gul Panag, who also held a number of meetings with party workers to thank them for their support, said, “In the coming days I will stay here and will meet all the party workers. After that I will campaign for AAP candidates in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Mumbai, she said.

Kirron Kher, who has already left for Amritsar to campaign for BJP candidate Arun Jaitely there, said, “I will now campaign for party candidates in Punjab and other states.

BSP candidate Jannat Jahan said, “I cleaned my house as during elections things were scattered around in the house. Then I went for shopping and lunch with my children. Her husband Hafiz Anwar-Ul-Haq held a number of meetings with party workers”, she said.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Record turnout adds to the worries of Congress, BJP

Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 11
A record turnout of voters in yesterday’s elections to the Chandigarh parliamentary seat, which otherwise should indicate the vote for change, has rather added to the worries of the two major political parties, the Congress and the BJP.

As the details of the area-wise polling percentage trickled in today, the AAP factor seems to have made dent in the traditional vote bank of both the Congress and the BJP. Unlike the last elections when the winning Congress candidate led by over 58,000 votes, it could be “literally” a photo finish for the winning candidate.

Even in the general elections prior to 2004, the margin of the winning candidate has been around 20,000. The trend will be indicative this time also.

Bhupinder Brar, a professor in the political science department, Panjab University, said high percentage polling is indicative of either youngsters favouring AAP or people going with the Modi wave. “The first factor seems stronger this time”, he added.

Significantly, the result will not only affect the political career of Congress candidate Pawan Kumar Basal, it will also reflect upon the BJP leadership’s decision to bring a parachute candidate amidst initial opposition within the local unit.

A section of voters, who did not favour Congress due to anti-incumbency factor, gave their vote to AAP, as they did not approve of an outsider in the BJP. “The winning probability of the BJP could be only due to the Modi wave and not due to the local factors”, pointed political analysts.

AAP’s performance in the elections will be an indicator of acceptance of the party’s ideology among city residents. The reports indicate that of the 23,000 first -time voters, a large number have exercised their franchise with full gusto.

In case of Mani Majra, a high percentage of polling is indicative of the BJP eating into the vote bank of the Congress. The Congress is, however, hopeful of having cashed in on its base in colonies and villages.

Summing up the issue, a senior Congress and a BJP leader admitted that though it was largely a triangular contest, in certain urban area areas it could be the BJP versus AAP. In certain areas it was the Congress versus the BJP.

The role played by voters of the consolidated vote banks of industrialists, ex servicemen, regular UT employees, contractual employees, and community based votes cannot be ignored.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Kejriwal injured as AAP workers mob him at Amritsar rly station

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 10
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, one of his security personnel and a few others were injured in a melee after Kejriwal alighted from Shatabdi Express at the Amritsar railway station tonight. Kejriwal is on a three-day Punjab tour beginning tomorrow from Amritsar to campaign for AAP candidates.

Many AAP supporters gathered at the railway station to welcome Kejriwal. The train pulled into the Platform No. 1 around11 pm. The incident occurred when scores of AAP workers started heading towards Kejriwal as soon as he got down from the train.

The Punjab police and the GRP had made tight security arrangements for the AAP leader following recent cases in which he was slapped during his poll campaigns.

When the policemen on duty tried to keep AAP workers from Kejriwal, it led to a stampede-like situation at the railway station as the passengers who alighted from the train also got stuck in the melee.

Many people, including some media persons, fell down and were injured. A security person attached with Kejriwal was seriously injured as his leg was stuck in a barricade within the railway station premises.

Both Kejriwal and his security guard were taken to a private hospital in the city for treatment. Kejriwal reportedly suffered a sprain in his leg.

The policemen on duty threw a cordon around Kejriwal and took him out of the station. However, there was no official confirmation from AAP about the injury to Kejriwal and his security man as AAP candidate Dr Daljit Singh could not be contacted.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

First-time voters step out to be part of the change they want to see

Mehakdeep Grewal
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 10
Sensing responsibility on their shoulders, many first-time voters flocked in large numbers to polling booths across the city to exercise their franchise for the Lok Sabha elections here today.

A wave of excitement was seen among the youth, many of whom said they were out to bring a change in the country’s political system.

“I missed my classes and college in Sonepat yesterday to reach the city a day before the polling to vote for a change. The youth today are more aware of their rights and want the country to develop,” said Sanyam Mittal, a first-time voter.

Emotions running high and a sense of achievement reflecting on their faces, a group of three friends, Jyoti, Vandhana and Madhu, said in unison, “We are proud voters of the country. We are not the ones who can be fooled with false promises and freebies. Though we are first-time voters, we did not feel nervous while casting our vote.”

Trying to step out of their families' influence, many young voters said, “We are not voting for the same candidate as our parents are since our expectations from the leaders are different from those of our family members. We are not loyalists of any party, but 'change makers' who want visionary leaders.”

Thrilled after casting his vote for the first time, Rishab Sachdeva said, “I voted for my city’s betterment and for a corrupt-free government that can ensure a bright and safe future for the youth.”

Feeling more connected with the democratic set-up of the country, another first-time voter, Anshuman Mohit Chaturvedi, said, “Participating in the formation of the next government in itself is a moment of pride for all citizens. I must admit I was a little nervous before casting my vote, but after getting the ink mark on my index finger, I felt I completed my duty as a responsible citizen.”

Young voters Hindveer Sodhi, Wazid Khan and Monica said, “We are not the ones who sit at home and whine about the political system; we are the ones who step out and shape the system by exercising our franchise.”

Ridhi Gupta, Sukriti Sharma and Pooja Rawat said, “Finally, we are contributing to the progress graph of our country. Immediately after voting, we shared our experiences on social networking sites and asked our friends to move out and be part of the change they want to see both at national and city levels.”

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

A slap too many

Physical assaults on Kejriwal, AAP have to stop

THIS time it was sad. Like him or hate him, but the look on Kejriwal's face sitting at Rajghat after being slapped yet again would make anyone take a pause and think about what is happening. The first time some people found it amusing, then it was called politics in Gujarat and Varanasi, now this is just too much. Here is the head of a party that is contesting more than 400 seats, no matter what its prospects. The country cannot just let him be slapped around. This is not how you express your resentment or disagreement in a democracy. Vote is the way. The man who hit Kejriwal may be an individual caught in his own life's misery, but this has to be condemned roundly by one and all. Not the way certain Congress and BJP leaders did it, qualifying their outrage by adding there was anger against AAP.

There is probably more anger against the mainstream parties and their leaders as they have a history. Why only he is targeted, Kejriwal has asked. For one, simply because it is possible to hit him. Most other leaders are ensconced in layers of protection. Also, perhaps because people who became his followers did it from the heart, not out of material interest or political calculations. If disappointed, the wrath of such people also comes from the heart. For AAP this is reason to celebrate as well as fear. Its voters are real.

The attacks and the challenges Kejriwal and other AAP candidates are battling — like little money to travel, canvass or advertise — also bring out the contrast between what they stand for and what the competition is aiming at. The grimy unshaven face of Kejriwal walking in the sun, as against the immaculately groomed Modi in designer eyewear, jackets and kurtas, embodiment of power and confidence in the slickly executed advertisements. Rahul stands somewhere in-between the two extremes. In election time, all of this will work differently on different voters' minds. Some will naturally go for a rebel, others for a symbol of power. The slap would only have sharpened the divide.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Punjab Panorama: Punjab farmer at Arhtiya's mercy

Punjab Panorama: Punjab farmer at Arhtiya's mercy

Wave of change: Gul Panag, AAP

Well, she is the girl who's got everything going for her —affiliation to a party that has redefined the struggle for The Lower House, a promise that political awakening holds and the youth that have come out in support with a vengeance. We've seen the Chandigarh girl Gul Panag ride a bike on her wedding, play all the frills onscreen and ride a cycle for election campaigning. No wonder then, getting through the otherwise accessible and media savvy Gul, has been next to impossible! Courtesy her busy schedule. Her father Lt Gen H.S Panag, shares, "All the other parties have former election experiences, which is not the case with Gul. She is personally looking after the planning and ideation, and is campaigning from morning to evening." It's a marked shift from a glamorous image to salwar kurtas, the trademark AAP topi and sans the make-up look. Whether a carefully worked out look or a natural progression, she has managed to convince us of the change.

I like to unwind: By spending time with my family and my brother's pet Bruno.

My energy drink: Chai. I'm a tea person and a cup of tea refreshes me instantly.

My political icons: Margaret Thatcher.

One thing about me: I love to run around for one hour everyday but have been managing only half-an-hour for the past couple of weeks. These days, I've been sleeping for only four hours.

In election mode: Jeans, boots and a comfortable kurta. I've always been more or less a jeans and a tee person.

How I arrive: For elections, I'm using my husband's Mahindra Scorpio.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Corruption-free India is AAP’s poll promise

Ananya Panda
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 3
Promising to make governance an interactive process, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today released its maiden national manifesto.

It envisages a “corruption-free” India that assures an enabling environment for all sections by devolving power to the people through “mohalla sabhas” and “gram sabhas”. It promises to provide “Swaraj” (self-governance) and replace the UPA’s Lokpal Bill with a strong Jan Lokpal which covers all public servants -- a plank that has helped it gain acceptance and increase its support base -- reflected in its stellar performance during last year’s Delhi Assembly elections.

The AAP chief lambasted both the Congress and BJP for fielding “corrupt” candidates in the Lok Sabha elections while pushing his party’s anti-graft agenda backed with its 49-day stint in Delhi during which the party claims to have contained corruption.

Hitting out at BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi, Kejriwal said, “We reduced corruption in Delhi in 49 days. Narendra Modi has not been able to do it in 12 years in Gujarat.”

In its 33-point agenda, AAP has stressed on the need for judicial and policing reforms. The manifesto promises a major amendment in electoral legislation — of reducing the age to contest elections for MLA/MP from the current 25 years to 21.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the party has spelt out an array of initiatives, including installing CCTV cameras in court rooms and police stations and simplifying government procedures. The non-registration of FIRs will be made an offence in all cases, the AAP manifesto says.

Noting that he was against “crony capitalism”, Kejriwal reiterated that his party was “pro-business and industry-friendly”.

Party manifesto

• Promises swaraj
• Pushes for strong Jan Lokpal Bill
• Says CCTVs to be fixed in courts, police stations

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Need to review municipal bylaws: Gul

Chandigarh, April 2

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gulkirat Kaur Panag today held a yatra covering sectors 48, 49, 50 and 51. She said, “The BJP and the Congress have no right to call the AAP anarchist. The only examples of anarchy in the history of Indian democracy have been during the communal riots that took place under the questionable watch of the mainstream political parties, where justice eludes the victims." She added, “Our government took a few days to order an SIT probe into the 1984 riots, which the BJP and the Congress failed to do in 30 years.”

Addressing a city specific issue, she advocated the need to review the municipal bylaws, which in her opinion should be made more flexible while not threatening the inherent character of the city.

The AAP candidate also met members of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association. Her day out ended with campaigning in markets in Bajwara, Attawa and sectors 22 and 42. — TNS

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Aam Aadmi Party sets up sting team

Fears rival parties may use liquor, money to swing votes in their favour

Rajinder Nagarkoti
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 2
Apprehending that flow of liquor and cash by rival parties in colonies and villages, especially during the last week of campaigning, may alter the poll scenario, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has formed a team of 50 volunteers, which will carry out sting operations to expose any such attempt by the rival parties.

The AAP will provide spy cameras and other devices to record any such attempt by workers of other political parties. An AAP volunteer said parties, in a bid to woo voters, were likely to distribute cash and liquor bottles among colony and village residents.

Munish Kumar Raizada, campaign manager, AAP, Chandigarh, said they had formed a team of volunteers, who would work in different wards of the city. They are getting a good response from all sections of society in the city. We are suspecting that rival parties may lure voters with cash and liquor in colonies and villages to swing votes in their favour," he said.

Raizada said the volunteers would record any such activities in spy cameras, mobile phones and voice recorders. The AAP would then submit the recording to the UT Election Department and the UT police for action, he said.

AAP volunteer Gurjusjit Singh said they had already placed the order for spy cameras, which would be given to the team members. They had undertaken this initiative as they wanted the elections to be fair, he said.

Why colonies, villages are important

Villages and colonies on the periphery of the city are the gateway to success in the Lok Sabha elections. With around 57 per cent voters of the city residing here, these areas will play an important role in deciding the fate of the candidates. According to the revised list of the Election Department, around 3.50 lakh voters of the total 6.13 lakh are from villages and colonies.

Mani Majra, which includes Mani Majra village, alone has 48,103 voters. Dhanas, Ram Darbar, Bapu Dham Colony, Burail, Kajehri village, Sector 25 Colony, Dadu Majra Colony, Maloya Colony and Hallo Majra village comprise the major chunk of voters in villages and colonies.

Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com

Why did Arvind Kejriwal resign?

you must have been asked a hundred times, why Arvind Kejriwal resigned as the Delhi Chief Minister? Well, here is the answer.

AAP got only 28 of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly election. Still, the Lt Governor invited Arvind to form the government, as the Congress (with 8 seats) had offered unconditional support. Finding it hard to believe, Arvind sent a letter to the Congress President listing out the 18 points in the AAP manifesto, including passing of the Jan Lokpal bill. The Congress reverted saying it will support AAP unconditionally on all 18 points. With this commitment, Arvind formed the minority government in Delhi.

However, when AAP presented the Jan Lokpal bill in the Assembly, the Congress and the BJP came together to ensure the bill is not passed. The Aam Aadmi Party had won the vote and trust of citizens of Delhi on the plank of anti corruption. And since the minority government could not pass the Jan Lokpal bill that was promised to citizens of Delhi, Arvind resigned. Click on the image below to know why Arvind resigned in Delhi.

The Aam Aadmi Party will return to form the government with a full majority and pass the Jan Lokpal and Swaraj bills in Delhi Assembly.