AAP's attempt to win over 49% voters in Punjab

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 22

The AAP is trying to get its act together by changing the “political” track and targeting one of the largest vote banks in Punjab’s electoral arena — 93.75 lakh women.

Having faced a near rout in its rank and file during the recent Assembly session, when two of its MLAs joined the Congress, the party has been forced to pull itself out of a possible electoral doom.

Not only did AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reach out to the 49 per cent voters (women), but he also mocked the Congress CM, referring to him as “nakli Kejriwal”. By dining at an autorickshaw driver’s house in Ludhiana, he sent out a message that he was the “real aam aadmi”.

However, the larger issue is that he has still shied away from declaring the “Captain” of his team. Though the way he has given importance to Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann today, speculation is rife that Mann will be the party’s chief ministerial face. Also, with most other contenders being considered by the party — an eminent NRI businessman, an eminent environmentalist and an actor-philanthropist — reportedly not keen on taking the lead, the only choice left with the party is Mann, as he, too, has a mass appeal among voters.