After stepping down as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal is likely to launch an intense campaign in Haryana, where his party is determined to make its mark in the upcoming October 5 Assembly elections.
Party insiders reveal that Kejriwal’s campaign will primarily target constituencies in Haryana’s border regions with Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). With the Congress riding high on confidence of unseating the ruling BJP, AAP’s entry into the fray has raised concerns within the grand old party, which fears a split in anti-BJP votes.
AAP has so far failed to impress in Haryana. But the party leaders believe that Kejriwal’s entry in his home state of Haryana is set to focus his energy on galvanizing AAP’s weakened cadre following his recent arrest on corruption charges, a senior party official disclosed. “Even the move of stepping down as Delhi CM was a surprise, but a much-needed move to reignite the AAP base, especially in poll-bound Haryana,” said a party leader.
However, political analysts warn that this could have unintended consequences for Congress. With the talks between AAP and Congress, both members of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, fell apart after a deadlock over seat-sharing. AAP was reportedly demanding ten seats but Congress, however, was unwilling to part with more than six seats, leading to the collapse of negotiations.
With no alliance in place, the two parties will now face each other head-on, a move that could split the anti-BJP vote. Congress, on its part, is appealing to voters to remain united. Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has already cautioned voters, “If you vote for any other party, it will benefit the BJP. The Congress is the only viable option to challenge the ruling party.”
The AAP, which has made impressive strides in Delhi and Punjab, is now turning its attention to Haryana, but it faces a formidable challenge. AAP General Secretary Sandeep Pathak, who is leading AAP’s election planning in Haryana has made it clear that the party will contest with “full strength as the AAP has a cadre and organization are in every village.
Kejriwal’s campaign will also receive support from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who, along with other senior AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, has already addressed more than 45 rallies in the state. The party plans to leverage its achievements in neighboring Punjab to gain traction among Haryana’s voters, particularly in regions that share cultural and economic ties with Punjab.
As per the party insiders, Kejriwal’s campaign strategy includes road shows and rallies, targeting constituencies where the party has previously demonstrated strength. These include Shahbad, Pehowa, Guhla, and Kalayat, where AAP secured significant leads during the last general elections.
