Shimla: After a massive victory in the Punjab assembly elections, the eyes of the Aam Aadmi Party are now on Himachal Pradesh along with other states. The party has started working at the grassroots level in view of the upcoming elections in this hilly state. The party has started the exercise of attracting influential local level leaders of BJP and Congress into its fold. Party teams are touring district wise. A list of leaders dissatisfied with their respective parties is being made and talks are being held with them. It is possible that many of these leaders may soon hold the broom of Arvind Kejriwal’s party. Seeing the attitude of AAP, not only the Congress, but the BJP is also being concerned about it.
Buoyed by Punjab’s victory, the Aam Aadmi Party had recently announced that it would not only contest the upcoming municipal elections in Himachal Pradesh but also contest the assembly elections to be held later this year. For its preparation, senior AAP leaders have started tours to strengthen the party’s base in Himachal. It has been learned from party sources that teams from Delhi are traveling to Kangra and lower Himachal districts. During this, she is meeting those leaders who are willing to join AAP.
AAP has made a list of many leaders having local influence. They are also being called for interview. Party sources claim that many disgruntled leaders of BJP and Congress have met these teams of AAP. Many of these leaders may join AAP during Kejriwal’s Himachal tour. Prominent leader from Kangra, Naresh Varmani is also included in such people. However, the names of these people are being kept secret by the party. The party wants the names of these people to come in front of everyone during the visit of AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
An AAP leader said on the condition of anonymity that the weaknesses of BJP and Congress are clearly visible at this time. The mountain people are looking for a stronger alternative. The party believes that people are not happy with the current Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government. In such a situation, you can get the benefit of the anti-incumbency wave. The Congress, on the other hand, is battling serious infighting. Even the party leadership is being questioned. The Congress has already lost its senior leaders Virbhadra Singh and GS Bali in the state. In lower Himachal, factionalism has battered the party. In such a situation, AAP can compensate for their place.
A party leader said that even if we do not become number 1 in the elections, at least we can try to be an effective opposition. This mission of AAP can become a matter of concern for BJP and Congress.