Vowing 'change', AAP fancies sweep in Punjab

Ruchika M Khanna

Chandigarh, Febraury 18

It is catch phrase coined by AAP poll strategists, “Ek mauka Mann te Kejriwal nu”, that seems to have caught the fancy of voters in many segments.

The party, though initially rattled by the stirring of caste-pot by rival Congress, which chose a Dalit leader as its CM face, now stands strong as the poll becomes a “class war”, rather than a caste war.

KD Tiwari, a retired banker in Banga constituency, says he will vote for “change” on February 20. What has come in handy for the party is the overwhelming questioning that voters are subjecting the election contestants to. Both the Congress — ridden as much by infighting as by anti-incumbency — and Akali Dal have a past baggage of unfulfilled promises during their tenures.

The AAP, on the contrary, is offering hope — better education, healthcare and social security through pensions and promise of cheaper power. Voters, across Malwa (where the party has a significant following) and in Doaba (where political awareness is highest because of the NRI influence), say the party may ultimately not be able to deliver on the promises, but since they themselves hope for a “nawan” (new) Punjab, they are willing to put their bet on the party that is giving them hope for a better future.

Even in the Majha region, where the party had drawn a blank in 2017, the party has suddenly picked up steam. People say the party seems to be taking the space of ruling political party, which faces anti-incumbency there.

The fact that the party was the first to announce its CM face has gone in its favour, and consolidated the ranks behind Mann. The question, however, is will it be able to have a clean sweep, considering that few of its sitting MLAs, too, face anti-incumbency.