Kejriwal launches AAP campaign in Gujarat

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday launched his campaign in Gujarat, which is scheduled to face crucial assembly polls next year.

Accompanied by his family and Aam Admi Party leaders, Mr. Kejriwal offered prayers at the Somnath Temple.

On Saturday morning, Mr. Kejriwal arrived at Rajkot airport where thousands of volunteers and supporters had gathered to welcome him. He immediately left for Somnath by road and halted at several places including a farmer’s farm to interact with farmers and villagers.

“I was supposed to be here for two days – one day at Somnath for darshan and then at Surat where traders and small businessmen had invited me for a meeting. But Chief Minister Anandiben Patel put undue pressure on traders and businessmen and forced them to cancel the invitation because the Gujarat government does not want me to tour the State and meet and interact with people here,” he said slamming the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

Reiterating his support to Hardik Patel, who was granted bail by the Gujarat High Court in two sedition cases, Mr. Kejriwal said, “Hardik was arrested under sedition for his agitation while no case was booked against BJP leader Eknath Khadse who was in touch with the underworld.”

Seeking to garner support of farmers in Saurashtra, a predominantly agrarian region, Mr. Kejriwal said farmers in Delhi have received benefits like crop insurance, while in Gujarat they are still waiting. “I have also learnt that the authorities often acquire farmers’ lands without proper compensation or rehabilitation.”

“We are here to serve people like you. We will not take donations from people like Adani or Ambani and contest elections,” Mr. Kejriwal told farmers and villagers in Junagadh.

Taking a dig at Anandiben Patel, the Delhi Chief Minister tweeted, “Gujarat fed up of Anandiben Patel’s corrupt maladministration. Huge support for AAP.”