Aam Aadmi Party leaders, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, arrived in Guwahati on April 2.
Addressing the media at the airport, Arvind Kejriwal took a swipe at Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying that the AAP does not threaten people. “I heard he (Sarma) threatened me that I would be sent to jail if I come to Assam. But that is not our culture,” Kejriwal said. “I invite him to Delhi. I would take him for a ride in Delhi to show him the works of development we have done. We will show him schools and hospitals.”
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann also echoed similar sentiments, saying that the AAP is not in the business of making threats. “We don’t believe in such kind of politics,” he said. “We believe in constructive politics. We believe in working for the people.”
Arvind Kejriwal and Mann’s visit to Assam is significant for the party.
Upon their arrival, both leaders were greeted by a group of enthusiastic supporters and party workers. The two leaders also addressed local leaders and party workers at Sonaram High School playground in Guwahati.
Kejriwal emphasized that the AAP is committed to bringing about a positive change in the lives of the people of Assam.
“We believe that the people of Assam deserve a government that works for their welfare and development. Our party is committed to providing a corruption-free and accountable administration that is responsive to the needs of the people,” said Kejriwal.
He also spoke about the party’s focus on education and healthcare, and promised to bring about significant improvements in these sectors if the party is elected to power in the state.
“We have successfully transformed the education and healthcare sectors in Delhi, and we are confident that we can do the same in Assam. We will focus on improving the quality of education and healthcare facilities in the state, and make them accessible to all,” he added.
The AAP has been making steady inroads into the northeastern region.
The visit of Kejriwal and Mann is being seen as an indication of the party’s seriousness in its efforts to emerge as a key player in the politics of the region. With their focus on corruption-free governance and development, the AAP is likely to give a tough fight to the ruling BJP and the Congress in Assam.
