As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress step up to campaign in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also preparing to fight with full force in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed a “mega rally” at Mela Ground in Gwalior on 1 July.
"Both the BJP and the Congress have tainted the name of Madhya Pradesh. Today MP is linked with the Vyapam Scam. Earlier Delhi was also associated with the CWG Scam and the 2G Scam. But since the time AAP has come to power, Delhi is associated with schools, mohalla clinics, free electricity and water," Kejriwal said as he addressed people in Gwalior.
He attacked the Madhya Pradesh government for "high price" of electricity and for "frequent power cuts."
He promised to give "seven free Revdis (freebies)" to the people of Madhya Pradesh as he appealed to the masses for "a chance" in the electoral battle.
AAP To Contest On All 230 Seats
AAP had earlier announced that it will be contesting in all the 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. AAP’s national general secretary Sandeep Pathak had made the announcement on 4 February during a press conference in Bhopal.
On being asked about the chief ministerial candidate of the party, Pathak had said, "The public has a right to know who will become their CM. The party will decide on the CM face at the appropriate time."
Why Gwalior?
The Gwalior-Chambal belt is an electorally significant belt of the state and comprises eight districts – Morena, Gwalior, Bhind, Shivpuri, Sheopur, Datia, Ashoknagar and Guna – which were earlier a part of Gwalior and fell under the political fiefdom of Jyotiraditya Scindia.
In 2018, the Congress had won in 26 of the total 34 seats here. But, after Scindia jumped ship and joined the BJP and by-elections were held, both the parties ended up with 17 MLAs each. Now, AAP is trying to make a dent in the Gwalior region.
In addition, Gwalior is geographically closest to Delhi.
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