Riding on the wave of its spectacular performance in the Delhi Assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up to spread its wings in the middle-class dominated constituencies of Bangalore and other cities in the State ahead of the general elections.
As a prelude, the AAP has commenced a survey in 30 districts to gauge the pulse of all sections of people, particularly their views on the political parties in the State.
“Based on the survey findings, we will field candidates for the Lok Sabha seats in Bangalore, Mysore, Davangere, Hubli-Dharwad and other urban constituencies,” according to AAP national executive member Prithvi Reddy.
With the slogan, “Karnataka AAP ke saath”, the party has given its members the task to enrol one member or supporter each for the party every day, Mr. Reddy said.
At present, the AAP has its units in 18 districts, and is active in five cities of Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Udupi and Hubli-Dharwad. In Bangalore, it has 12,000 registered members. It has proposed to come up with district-wise manifestos before the next general elections.
The party has no big names under its banner, but a substantial number of volunteers who took part in the India Against Corruption movement have identified with the party. AAP is forging alliances with various associations and extending invitations to eminent citizens of the city.
AAP plans to hold a youth parliament, a conference of like-minded people and launch campaigns to enrol members. It has set a target to enrol 12 lakh members in the next three-four months in Bangalore.
In keeping with its agenda of targeting urban voters, the party has its eye on the city corporation polls too. “We are going to be a formidable force during the 2015 Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike elections and we will contest all 198 wards,” Mr. Reddy said.
However, the opinion is divided on whether the Delhi model can be replicated elsewhere easily. Political scientist and Jain University pro vice-chancellor Sandeep Shastri believes that it is a hard task. “The pubic sentiment in Bangalore is similar to the one in Delhi. But the party needs a local face to confront challenges in the State. It is wrong to expect Arvind Kejriwal to lead the AAP in the rest of the country,” he said.
The former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde has said that “a moving force is required for AAP to make its strong presence in Bangalore. Frustrated with the political system, the middle classes have been looking for change.”
“‘Corruption in major political parties’ will help AAP expand in the State. If serious efforts are made, I foresee a good future for the party here, especially in Bangalore and Mangalore,” says Vinod Rai, convenor of the Mangalore unit of the AAP.
