Another political formation is taking shape in AP for the 2024 elections. It is none other than the Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal. Buoyed up by its stunning victory in Punjab, the party is now looking to expand. It has already begun focusing on Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, which will go to polls late this year. It also feels that the two Telugu states are fertile ground for the AAP as the people are getting increasingly fed up with the traditional political parties.
AAP’s incharge for South India Somnath Bharti is all set to visit the state on April 4. He would meet those who are interested in joining AAP. It feels that there is a political space for the party. Unlike in other states, where the AAP recruited newcomers into the party, it is likely to invite politicians from other parties and give them important positions. If sources are to be believed, Bharti is already in touch with several leaders from other parties.
It is also being said that the AAP will soon organise padayatras at the constituency level to highlight various issues and to popularise the party and its symbol. AAP is said to be of the opinion that cultivating the middle class is very important. It feels that since the political parties are focusing on politically dominant castes, AAP should focus on the educated middle class first and then expand to other communities.
There is also a view that unlike in other states where the AAP always goes it alone, it might opt for political understanding with parties like the TDP and the Jana Sena. A section of the party sympathisers has reportedly sent reports that a political alliance would help the party to grow in Andhra Pradesh. It remains to be seen what decision would Arvind Kejriwal take on this issue of alliance.
