To win over other states, Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal is fanning out his trusted ministers to poll-bound states of Gujarat, Punjab and Goa. Adding to it, the Chief Minister himself has decided to be party in-charge for Punjab. With the shifting of base, Delhi is set to suffer due to lack of governance
Delhi tourism and water minister Kapil Mishra and party senior leader Ashutosh have been given the charge of Gujarat.
Kejriwal’s close confidant and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been made Goa in-charge. Sisodia would be assisted by Health Minister Satyendra Jain.
The decision was taken in a party meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence last week.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh was recently removed from the post of party in-charge in Punjab and Kejriwal replaced him. Sources said that Kejriwal was unhappy with Sanjay Singh over distribution of ticket in Punjab. Also, AAP witnessed a lot of infighting after former BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu was approached with a promise of projecting him as the chief ministerial candidate.
To end infighting within the party over Sidhu’s induction, Kejriwal decided to take reigns in his own hands.
Sources added that AAP was losing its popularity at various places in Punjab after the party approached Sidhu. Many local leaders had objected to Sidhu’s induction and had asked Sanjay Singh to not induct parachute leaders. This forced Kejriwal to put an end to the “rumours” on Sidhu’s possible induction.
Sources said that they have been asked to keep alive the Dalit issue in Gujarat.
During last week’s meeting, it was directed that each member in-charge will spend at least 10 to 15 days every month in their respective states.
Kejriwal has also assigned duties to other senior leaders of the party. Kumar Vishwas, who is likely to get a Rajya Sabha berth in 2017, will be extensively campaigning in Punjab and Gujarat.
The party, which had decimated the BJP and Congress in the Delhi assembly elections, will fight on the development plank in these three states. Odd and Even scheme, Mohalla Clinic, Aam Admi Canteen, Parents Teacher meeting in government schools and Corruption will be other major campaign issue.
AAP Delhi Convenor Dilip Pandey has been asked to prepare a road map for the city municipal corporation election which is scheduled next year.
In the absence of Chief Minister and other cabinet ministers, Delhi will see worse in the coming days.