Punjab assemby polls: AAP bets big on sops, development agenda

Ruchika M Khanna

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

Aam Aadmi Party’s dwindling vote share since 2014 and desertions in the past five years notwithstanding, the party seems buoyant to take on political opponents.

Will aim for growth

We will be seeking people’s mandate on development agenda and assure them that we will once again take Punjab on a growth trajectory. — Bhagwant Mann, AAP

This time, just like in the run-up to the 2017 polls, some poll pundits and pre-poll surveys have given the party a slight edge.

While the party has learnt from its mistakes in 2017 when it overplayed the radical card and is banking on “sop agenda” this time, considering the deteriorating fiscal health of Punjab, it seems unviable. The party has also not announced its CM face. The party was also banking on an alliance with the Samyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM) — the political outfit of farmer unions — which now looks unlikely.

One thing that goes in the party’s favour is the voters’ sentiment looking for a change. Also, the AAP has been quick to announce a majority of candidates — 104 (of 117) have been fielded.

Though state unit chief Bhagwant Mann, who is seeking mandate on development agenda, is emerging as the front-runner for the party’s CM face, the leadership may take the final call in the coming weeks.