Reports of Kejriwal to be CM candidate of AAP in Punjab causes flutter

CHANDIGARH: The political atmosphere in Punjab is ignited after media speculations that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and Delhi Chief Minsiter Arvind Kejriwal might be his party’s candidate for the post of Chief Minister and he may lead the party campaigning for assembly elections in 2017. This might turn to be winning strategy of AAP against Congress and SAD and BJP.AAP has also launched ‘Punjab joro’ campaign to enroll 25 lakh members in as fortnight.The party is preparing for the 2017 elections and two senior AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak are camping in Punjab to prganise the campaign and constitute village level commottees. AAP has considerable base in Punjab as the party had won four seats of Lok Sabha in 2014 and was in clear wining position in about 30 assembly segments. Punjab is understood to be next stop over of AAP to capture power and to present to the nation its model of governance. AAP government in Delhi has limited scope to implement all its policies for not being a full fledged state. The reports appearing in vernacular media has said that Manish Sisodia, deputy Chief Minister might replace Kejriwal in Delhi. Jejriwal has already started grooming Sisodia to take the responsibility of government in Delhi. The unconfirmed reports said that Kejriwal might shift his base to Punjab six months prior to assembly elections. The elections are due in January or February 2017. Kejriwal was given an unprecdented welcome by people of Punjab when he visited last during Lpk Sabha elections. It is assumed that if Kejriwal comes to Punjab, it would galvanise the party cadre and also end differences between local leaders loke state convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Bhagwant Mann, H.S. Phoolka and Dharmavir Gandhi MP from Patiala.AAP leaders are hopeful of sweeping elections on Punjab where anti-incumbency factor is very strong against the ruling SAD-BJP alliance, particularly the Badal family. Since Congress party is vertically divided in Punjab and there is little hope its leaders joining hands to provide a vialble alternative to the ruling alliance. AAP seems only alternative to people of Punjab in case Congress failed to set its house in order immediately.
The NRIs which had supported the AAP in last Lok Sabha poll and also funded the campaign are expected to throw their weight behind AAP to dethrow the ruling Badal family. The leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal had recently visited North America to gauze the mood of NRIs and faced strong protests on USA and Canada. The SAD has rejected the protests saying it handiwork of handful Khalistanis. There are about 50 lakh Punjabi NRIs lovong in different countries who are keen to see Punjab growing and ruled by sensible political party. The Badal family is facing charges of promoting mafia culture and capturing all major businesses on the state. Badal family has major share in transport and cable network business while their relatives are controlling sand. mining and loquor trade. The issue of drugs is of major concern to local people. Yhe leaders of various political parties are involved in the drug trade while some of the ministers in Badal cabinet were accused of direct involvement. The AAP has recently completed a round of anti-drug campaign. Drug menace is on top of AAP agenda.Another report said that Bains brothers of Ludhiana who had recently launched agitation against sand mafia in the state are also keen to join AAP and looking for a role for them.Meanwhile, the party has also issued a toll free number 8007006003 on which people can give missed call to become member.The party volunteers are going door to door to enroll membersm said Balbir Singh an AAP leader from Patiala.