A day before it is all geared up to launch the second phase of its ‘Punjab Jodo’ campaign from Patti Assembly segment in Tarn Taran district, Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday claimed that many senior leaders from other major political parties in Punjab will join AAP.
Under its ‘Mission 2017’ eyeing Punjab State Assembly polls, AAP has started its membership campaign ‘Punjab Jodo’ from August 20, the second phase of which will be launched from Friday till September 20.
In the next 10 days, the AAP will hold a total of 16 rallies, expected to be addressed by its senior national leaders including party’s spokespersons — journo-turned-politician Ashutosh, member of AAP’s policy think tank Raghav Chadha, party’s affairs in-charge Sanjuay Singh, besides party MPs Bhagwant Mann, Prof Sadhu Singh, state convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur among others.
The first phase of AAP’s ‘Punjab Jodo’ campaign, aimed at attracting voters especially the anti-BJP and anti-Badal forces, has received an overwhelming response in many parts of the state, including some of SAD stronghold areas.
During its rallies in the first phase, the AAP leaders have attacked the SAD-BJP regime over the issue of drug menace in the state. Its leader have taken not only on the SAD-BJP for its mis-governance and anti-people policies, drug issue, mafia raj, dynasty politics, among others, but also the main opposition party, the Congress, for its infighting.
“People are fed up of both Congress and SAD-BJP, and they want to get rid from such political parties who just want to rule but do nothing for those who give them the power. People have seen them and now they want change, which began in 2014 elections by electing four AAP MPs,” an AAP leader, requesting anonymity, told The Pioneer, maintaining that he was not authorized to make any comment.
The leader claimed that many leaders from other political parties are in touch with AAP and may soon be seen shifting their loyalties. “We are holding a big rally at Ropar on September 15 in which some senior leaders from other parties are expected to join,” said the leader, without disclosing further details.
Starting from September 11, AAP is scheduled to hold rallies at 16 assembly constituencies — Patti, Guru Har Sahai, Jagraon (Konke kalaan), Maur Mandi, Rampura Phul, Sham Chaurasi, Roopnagar, Samana, Malerkotla, Raikot, Dakha, Chamkaur Sahib (Morinda), Ghanaur, Mehal Kalan, Bucho Mandi, and Gidderbaha.
Despite being marred by infighting within its state unit, AAP is being considered to be a strong contender for the 2017 assembly polls.
Taking everyone by surprise in 2014 general elections, AAP intends to give tough competition to the ruling SAD-BJP alliance, which has been in power in the state since 2007 and the opposition Congress in the next assembly polls.
Despite drawing a blank across the country in 2014 lok Sabha polls, AAP managed to won four seats, out of 13, in Punjab. Two of these seats came to the AAP with big margins. AAP candidates won in Sangrur, Patiala, Faridkot and Fatehgarh Sahib lok Sabha seats.