Tuesday, 21 September 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Though no political party other than Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress has been able to emerge as a prominent party in the past 21 years in Uttarakhand, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is leaving no stone unturned to make its presence felt among the public in the state. With his announcements on the issues like unemployment and migration during his recent visit, the national convener of AAP and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal once again tried to woo the potential voters. However, the public here has mixed opinions about the party and its promises.
According to 25-year-old Haldwani resident Geeta Pannu, AAP has the potential to bring positive changes in the state. “We cannot compare our issues here with Delhi but I think Kejriwal has done many good works as a CM so he definitely has the experience. My relatives who live in Delhi have told me that they do not have to worry much about the electricity and water bills like before,” stated Panu. She said that BJP and Congress have been here for so long that it feels like we are stuck with them. She added, “I am not sure how AAP will fulfil its promises but at least they are aware of public issues unlike the ruling party here. People should give AAP a chance”
Haridwar resident Mayank Sharma said, “The migration issue has worsened with time. Education here has become extremely expensive. A middle-class person can neither admit their children to good private schools due to exorbitant fees nor in the government school due to poor quality of education. Congress and BJP have failed to do anything about it in years. I will definitely give my vote to AAP this time.”
However, some seem to differ with the said opinions of people about the party.
A senior citizen Kedar Joshi said that Kejriwal is just using his publically set positive image as Delhi CM and making big announcements to influence people in other poll-bound states. “Why is he proposing to give free electricity to everyone? Financially capable people can afford to pay bills. AAP just rants these freebies ragas to lure the public. A Government cannot run a state with freebies. This party lacks the practical approach to administer our state,” stated Joshi. Another Dehradun resident Narayan Bisht said that the AAP is making big announcements just to get the public’s attention in the state. He said, “With such big announcements and repeatedly talking about Delhi’s model, AAP is trying to make people believe that they will bring incredible changes in the state like any other political party. Kejriwal said in his recent visit that a government needs clear intentions to provide employment and his party will provide jobs to all. Does it mean nobody in Delhi is unemployed? These are just tactics to fool the public and nothing else.”
