Kejriwal kicks off padyatra to connect with Delhi voters

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal kicked off his first padyatra in Rajouri Garden on Sunday as part of a series of padyatras across all Delhi constituencies in the coming weeks, aiming to engage directly with the public and address their concerns.

This marks the beginning of a grassroots campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi.

Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh announced the initiative, stating, "The overwhelming love and support Arvind Kejriwal is receiving highlights the people’s belief that he is the only leader who has brought real change to Delhi over the past decade." He emphasised the significance of the padyatras in strengthening the connection between Kejriwal and the citizens of Delhi.

During a press conference, Singh shared details about the successful first phase of the padyatras, where Kejriwal received enthusiastic support from the public. "Wherever he went, people expressed their affection, acknowledging that he is the only person who has shown change in Delhi over the past 10 years in sectors like education, health and public transportation," Singh noted.

However, the padyatras have not been without controversy. Singh accused the BJP of attempting to disrupt Kejriwal’s efforts, claiming, "They tried to stop his padyatra and even attacked him while breaking through security." He asserted that such actions were a desperate attempt by the BJP, unable to win elections based on their record, to undermine Kejriwal's popularity.

Undeterred by these challenges, Singh affirmed that Kejriwal would continue the padyatra, which would extend throughout November and December. "The aim is to reach every person and inform them about how the BJP is obstructing Delhi’s progress," he said, highlighting the need to communicate the AAP's accomplishments over the past decade.

Singh challenged the BJP to engage in an open debate on governance, asking, "Can they name one of the 22 states where they govern that provides free electricity or has schools with world-class facilities?" He emphasised the AAP's achievements in transforming Delhi's education system, creating exemplary schools.

He also criticised the BJP for what he termed as their "tactics" to stifle the AAP’s welfare projects, citing the arrests of Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain, and himself as evidence of political oppression. Singh expressed concern about the BJP's handling of the construction of ghats for Chhath Puja, contrasting it with the AAP’s efforts to increase facilities for the festival.

Singh concluded with a rallying cry for public participation in the padyatras, urging citizens to stand united against any harm to Delhi’s welfare initiatives. "We will not allow any harm to Delhi or Arvind Kejriwal’s initiatives," he declared. "Remember, if the BJP comes to power, they will stop all these welfare schemes as they do not provide free electricity, free water, free education or free medical care in their states."