It was a different scene near Prabandhan Nagar (on IIM-l road) outside a marriage lawn on Friday, where well dressed people were waiting for their turn to enter the premises.
Don’t get shocked! Neither was it a job interview nor any marriage party. It was the interview of applicants organised by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for those who applied for contesting lok Sabha Election on party’s ticket. More than 1100 applicants from different districts of the state came to face the interview by AAP’s panel. The applicants came from lucknow, Hardio, Sambhal, Amethi, etc.
Outside the venue to interview large number of people was waiting in queue to enter the premises. The people dressed in suits with file in their hands were catching attention of the onlookers. There were few applicants who dressed up like Arvind Kejriwal while some endorsed the style of wrapping muffler like him. But one thing was common in all that they all were wearing special AAP caps. While waiting for their turn the applicants were discussing their anti-corruption stories, AAP’s influence in their respective constituency and several other issues.
"When my passport inquiry came the local cop asked for money but I denied as taking or giving bribe both are crime. Even after several requests by the cop I didn’t changed my decision," said an applicant while discussing with others. Another applicant waiting in the queue was discussing that in his region the support for AAP is increasing everyday. Being much socially involved with others, many people asked him to apply for contesting lok Sabha elections.
After entering the premises people were given a self declaration form in which various questions were asked, which they to submit to the interview panel after filling it up. During the interviews, different kinds of questions were asked from the applicants. Sample this: Is there any candidate whom you think more suitable then youIJ Why do you want to contest electionsIJ How much do you know about your constituencyIJ Many more questions were asked from the applicants.
In the rooms were the interviews was going on, special observers were also sitting who were keeping tab on the body language of the applicants while they were answering questions. At the venue, AAP leaders including Sanjay Singh, Kumar Vishwas and Ashutosh Kumar were present. After facing the interview, the applicants met leaders and requested to click a picture with them.
"As many as 1111 people were called for interview and the process continued till 7 pm. Another round of interview for rest of the applicants will be organised within a couple of days," said a party worker.