People of Gujarat eager to vote for AAP, says Arvind Kejriwal

Bhavnagar: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal said Gujarat is seeing a "storm of change". Addressing a rally in Bhavnagar, he said people in the state are tired of 27 years of BJP rule. "They are eager to vote for AAP and the party will form the next government."

He is currently on a two-day visit to Gujarat campaigning ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held later in 2023. He claimed corruption is rampant in Gujarat and asked how much from the annual budget of Rs 2.5 lakh crore reached the public. "Tell me how much of those funds have reached you. Where has all the money gone? Did you see any school, college, or hospital built in your area?"

He cited a report from the intelligence bureau and said: "It is being predicted that it will be a close fight, with AAP winning around 92-93 seats, but we should get about 150 seats." He further said in Gujarati: "Now you don't need to worry, your brother is here."

Speaking of his visit to Vadodara, he said he saw some children shouting slogans in favour of PM Modi. "When I asked them why they were raising slogans, they said they got paid for it but would vote for AAP."

Some of the promises AAP has made are building 20,000 neighbourhood clinics, depositing Rs 1,000 monthly in women's bank accounts, providing free medical care to 6.5 crore Gujaratis, creating ten lakh new jobs, supplying free electricity to homes, and guaranteeing minimum support price to farmers for five crops.

He also dismissed the BJP's talks about a "double engine government" and said Gujarat needs a "new engine". He added that AAP cannot offer Rs 30,000 crore to offer like BJP does but will ensure benefits worth Rs 30,000 for all by way of welfare schemes.