Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to be in Punjab for the next three days
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, is set to embark on a crucial three-day visit to Punjab ahead of the bypolls in four constituencies. The visit, which is seen as a key strategic move for AAP, will take place from November 8 to November 10, with Kejriwal set to participate in various political and ceremonial events, aimed at boosting the party's prospects in the upcoming elections.
On **November 8**, Kejriwal will attend a significant political event in **Ludhiana**, where he will be the chief guest at the **swearing-in ceremony of Punjab’s newly elected Sarpanches**. The ceremony, a pivotal local governance event, will see the swearing-in of the heads of village councils, who play a key role in the grassroots administration of the state. Kejriwal’s participation in this event highlights his party’s focus on strengthening its grassroots support in Punjab, especially after the success of AAP in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. His presence as the chief guest is expected to send a strong political signal to the people of Punjab, reinforcing the AAP’s commitment to local governance and the empowerment of rural communities.
Following the ceremony, Kejriwal will shift his focus to campaigning for **AAP candidates** in the **four constituencies** where bypolls are scheduled. The bypolls, scheduled after the vacancies created due to resignations and other political developments, are seen as an important test for AAP’s political influence in Punjab, especially as the party looks to maintain its foothold in the state after its historic victory in 2022.
On **November 9**, Kejriwal will campaign in **Chabbewal** and **Dera Baba Nanak**, two constituencies that have been identified as key battlegrounds in the bypolls. These areas are strategically important as they have seen significant political activity from AAP and are expected to be crucial in the party's attempt to expand its base in rural and semi-rural regions of Punjab. Kejriwal’s campaign in these areas will focus on promoting AAP’s promises of good governance, corruption-free administration, and welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people.
The following day, **November 10**, Kejriwal will focus his efforts on **Gidderbaha** and **Barnala**, two constituencies in the state’s Malwa region. Both of these areas have a large rural population, and Kejriwal’s campaign will likely emphasize the AAP’s success in implementing welfare schemes in Delhi, such as improved healthcare, education, and affordable electricity and water, hoping to connect with voters who are looking for similar changes in Punjab. His campaigning in these regions is also expected to stress the party’s efforts to address the state’s agrarian crisis, farmers’ issues, and promises of economic development.
Kejriwal’s three-day visit to Punjab comes at a time when AAP is working to consolidate its position in the state’s political landscape. Having secured a historic victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where the party ousted the Congress from power, AAP now faces the challenge of holding on to its dominance amid opposition from the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and with the BJP looking to expand its influence in the state.
Through this visit, Kejriwal aims to galvanize support for the AAP and ensure that the party can capitalize on its earlier success, particularly in the rural and semi-rural constituencies that are crucial for its long-term political strategy. His campaigning style, often focused on direct interaction with the people and his emphasis on governance and welfare, is expected to resonate with Punjab’s voters as they look for alternatives to the traditional political parties. As the bypolls draw closer, Kejriwal's visit is expected to play a significant role in shaping the political discourse in Punjab, with AAP’s focus on governance, anti-corruption measures, and development taking center stage in the party’s election strategy. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the AAP can sustain its momentum in the state and further solidify its position as a dominant political force in Punjab.
