AAP to contest J&K polls, promises free electricity, healthcare
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced that it will participate in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The party's campaign will be centered on the promise of providing free electricity and enhancing health infrastructure through its flagship Mohalla Clinic scheme. This announcement was made by AAP leader Imran Hussain during a recent visit to Srinagar where he strategized with party workers for the upcoming polls.
Election strategy
AAP's commitment to deliver on promises
Hussain, a cabinet minister and MLA from Delhi, also emphasized the AAP's commitment to fulfilling its election promises. He said, "We will fight the polls with full strength...other parties have issued their manifestos, but duplicate is duplicate and original is original...see the governments in Delhi and Punjab. We are the only party that delivers all its promises." He further challenged anyone to compare past manifestos of any party with their actual fulfillment.
Party performance
MLA talks about AAP's track record in Delhi
Hussain highlighted AAP's track record in Delhi, where it has been ruling since 2015. The party provides free electricity up to 200 units and free water supply there. Under the Mohalla clinics scheme, people receive primary healthcare and free medicines in their localities. He assured that "Kashmir will get free electricity and world-class health infrastructure," urging the public to give a chance to AAP and its chief Arvind Kejriwal in the upcoming elections.
Election timeline
J&K's first assembly polls since 2019
The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are significant as they mark the first assembly polls since Article 370 was abrogated in 2019, transforming the state into a Union Territory with an assembly. The election process for the 90-member house will commence on September 18 and conclude in three phases, with results expected to be announced on October 4.
Party expansion
AAP's presence in India
Currently, the AAP governs Delhi and Punjab at the state level. In addition to Jammu and Kashmir, the party is also contesting the assembly elections in Haryana with full strength. The Haryana elections are scheduled for October 1, with results to be declared on October 4. Notably, the AAP is not entering into an alliance with the Congress—it's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance partner—in the two states.