The traditional political parties are struggling to attract members as the stunning successful model of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has gained momentum across the nation. The Arvind Kejriwal-founded party, since winning its first election in Delhi, gradually widened its base and expanded its footprint through intense organisational activities.
The party has been proactive to strengthen itself organisationally and politically in bigger States like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand notwithstanding the dominance of other parties. In two other poll bound States of Punjab and Goa, the party has already begun garnering tremendous support from people from all walks of life.
Unarguably, its zeal to honestly work for betterment of mankind and the society has threatened the existence of the once dominating parties. If not only the grass root workers and members of local bodies, senior leaders who once held cabinet posts are too making a strong connection with the party of the common man.
The turbulence within the tiny-yet-crucial State is evident as AAP has made inroads in Goa. The party’s relentless work speaks volumes.
The entry of former ministers, ex-MLAs and experienced candidates besides workers and office bearers representing different parties as well as professionals from different fields into AAP signifies the party is not restricted to activists.
Two-time MLA from Shiroda constituency, Mahadev Naik joined AAP. He joined the Congress in 2019 but the party’s lack of enthusiasm and infighting prompted the senior leader to separate from the Congress. This move explains the Opposition is on its last legs.
Preparation for 2022 polls for this less than a decade-old party further got a shot in the arm when quite a few workers from BJP and Congress in Pernem, Saligao and Porvorim constituencies joined hands with AAP. Senior BJP functionary from Saligao constituency Sandeep Pednekar, who worked with the saffron party for nearly two decades, joined AAP along with his supporters. Congress’ Seva Dal worker Rasis Bondre and a bunch of supporters too joined AAP. This is an indication about intense anger against the national parties on ground.
AAP’s tireless efforts to reach the Goan population in every corner of the State during the COVID-19 pandemic, going door-to-door to help check oxygen of COVID-19 infected and suspected patients and ongoing distribution of ration to every needy household has fetched positive reaction. It has strengthened its bond and trust with the people.
The decline of the non-performing Congress is quite evident. Not only the party is witnessing internal differences, an unhappy noted senior women leader Pratima Coutinho decided to turn to AAP to continue her passion for the welfare of people. Lack of leadership in Congress and suppression of quality workers compelled the dynamic woman leader to exit the Opposition party in March 2021. No sooner after she joined hands with AAP, Coutinho returned to her work towards society.
The joining spree continues as a large number of youth from Fatorda constituency, incidentally on the International Youth Day, entered the party fold led by Kejriwal. Individuals from across the spectrum have been inspired by the work of AAP. Prominent businessman, social worker and ex-Congress block president of St Cruz constituency Sudesh Kalangutkar is another additional member of AAP.
Gujarat’s Suraj-based businessman and social worker Mahesh Savani and 300-odd workers joined the AAP family in June while farmer activist Sagar Rabari and journalist Isudan Gadhvi are amongst the other set of new joiners from Gujarat.
AAP’s exceptionally incredible performance in Delhi has attracted many to the party with Miss India Delhi 2019 Mansi Sehgal too joining AAP earlier this year.
It was not too long ago that AAP launched a mega ‘nation building’ campaign to expand its reach across the States. Over 16 lakh people joined the initiative by registering themselves as volunteers and the number is still counting. In another poll bound state of Uttrakhand, Colonel Ajay Kothiyal (retd), who joined AAP in April this year, is one of the contenders for the upcoming poll. The Colonel has been a former principal of Uttarkashi-based Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and played a pivotal role in the aftermath of the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy in the rescue efforts as well as rehabilitation and rebuilding of Kedarnath.
In Punjab, national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced the party’s CM candidate will be from Sikh community. Announcing a CM candidate ahead of the polls is a courageous move at a time when no other party is confident about their CM face.
In Goa AAP is being seriously looked at as an alternative due to its sheer hard work, truth, dedication and honesty.
