AAP will not contest Baroda assembly by-election

Ravi S Singh

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 11

AAP will not contest the coming by-election for Baroda assembly, even while ruling BJP-JJP and main Opposition Congress have zeroed in for the political battle.

The other major player in Haryana politics, the INLD, is working on a strategy to spring a surprise on its opponents.

 The decision not to enter the fray follows a recent meeting of National Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party leaders related to Haryana. However, there was a push from a section of local party leaders to contest the by-election.

The reason to drop the idea was said to be a strategy of not staking party’s prestige in the state just for one constituency. The party is still a fledgling outfit, and it should focus on expanding its base.

“Contesting one assembly seat at the present juncture will not serve party’s larger goal. The election will not be contested on principles and ideologies,” a senior party leader said here on Friday.

 Insiders in AAP, however, say in confidence that the party leadership is wary that the contest in Baroda will finally boil down to BJP-JJP and the Congress, which will be led by former Chief Minister BS Hooda.

Hooda is considered to be wielding influence, especially in rural areas and the farming community. He also has hold among the farming community.

As far as strategies are concerned, JJP’s national spokesperson Dinesh Dagar said the plan for the by-election is ready, and will be executed as soon as poll schedule was announced.

Hooda will soon visit Baroda. Congress leader have already made several visits.

INLD national vice-president Prakash Bharti said party leader and MLA Abhay Chautala has toured the constituency. Party has already touched base with 45 out of about 60 villages in the constituency.

“The contest will eventually be between Congress and the INLD,” Bharti said.

The by-election has been necessitated due to demise of sitting Congress MLA Srikishan Hooda.

The BJP had stood second in the last Assembly election in the state.