With focus shifting to poll-bound states, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after its stupendous performance in Punjab has started laying groundwork in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. Both BJP and Congress are concerned that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party could poach their leaders.
The party had recently announced its plans not just to contest the municipal polls but the state assembly elections due year end. Subsequently, senior party leaders have started touring Himachal to strengthen its base there. Sources said that AAP teams from Delhi were touring Kangra and other districts of lower Himachal and meeting various leaders, who are interested in joining the party.
Sources say that many disgruntled leaders of the BJP and the Congress have met the teams. AAP sources said that Delhi CM Kejriwal is scheduled to visit soon and many disgruntled leaders are expected to join. Among those who are expected to join include a prominent leader from Kangra, Naresh Varmani.
AAP sources said that the party has drawn out an elaborate strategy for the hill state. The party believes anti-incumbency for the Jai Ram Thakur government and serious infighting in opposition Congress gives it a realistic chance to make a mark in the polls. “Both these parties have exposed their vulnerabilities and people in the hill state are craving for a strong alternative. The AAP can fill that slot,” said an AAP leader.
Sources say that a two-member AAP team from Delhi is meeting prominent people in Kangra and other districts. After scouting for effective local leader, the team members are asking leaders to come for interviews. Their inclusion in the party is being finalised and their names are being kept secret, as the party wants to make them public during Kejriwal’s visit.
The AAP drive to poach the disgruntled leaders has worried both the parties. The Congress has lost its senior leaders Virbhadra Singh and GS Bali and is faction-ridden in the lower Himachal area. The Congress has been found wanting to quell dissensions and no Congress leader has been entrusted with the responsibility to keep the flock together. “At least, we can try to fill the slot of an effective opposition if not emerge number,” commented a leader.
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