AAP’s Political Ambition in Maharashtra

Menon emphasized that the AAP, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, is a national party that has evolved from a people’s movement to a formidable political force. The party is currently in power in Delhi and Punjab and has representation in the legislative assemblies of Goa and Gujarat, as well as in the Parliament. This rapid rise in just ten years showcases the party’s appeal and effectiveness in governance, according to Menon.

“The AAP will contest all 36 seats in Mumbai. In the rest of Maharashtra, our colleagues and volunteers are galvanized and preparations are on in full swing,” Menon stated, highlighting the party’s readiness for the elections. She added that the AAP’s participation is driven by its vision to bring the “Delhi model” of development to Maharashtra. This model includes providing quality education, healthcare, water, and electricity free of charge, all achieved without corruption or debt.

Criticism of the Current Government

Menon launched a scathing attack on the current BJP-Shinde Sena government, accusing it of prioritizing corruption over public welfare. “The present BJP-Shinde Sena led government has zero political will for public welfare and is instead busy in wholesale corruption as they are convinced they aren’t returning to power,” she claimed. She labeled the BJP as an anti-Maharashtra and anti-Mumbai party, alleging that the Eknath Shinde government is more focused on looting the exchequer than addressing the needs of the people.

She also criticized the government’s failure to address unemployment and inflation, which she said have severely impacted common citizens. Menon pointed out the ongoing agrarian distress and the continued suicides among farmers as evidence of the government’s neglect. Once a leader in industrialization, Maharashtra no longer leads in terms of GDP, she noted, blaming the current administration for this decline.

Issues Facing Mumbai

Menon highlighted several issues plaguing Mumbai, including crumbling infrastructure, unresolved housing problems, and the deteriorating conditions of slums. She accused the builder and contractor mafias of taking over the city and criticized the lack of public representation in the 27 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai.

She also accused the BJP of deliberately undermining Mumbai’s status as India’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and its financial capital. “There is a deliberate attempt to kill Mumbai by the BJP through an exodus of projects meant for Mumbai to Gujarat,” Menon alleged. She criticized Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for putting Gujarat’s interests ahead of Maharashtra’s.

AAP’s Call to Action

Ruben Mascarenhas, AAP’s working president, echoed Menon’s sentiments, stating that Maharashtra and its people deserve better governance. “AAP is not just the alternative but is the solution,” he asserted, positioning the party as a viable choice for voters dissatisfied with the current administration.

Future of the INDI Alliance

Menon clarified that while AAP is part of the opposition INDI alliance, the alliance’s primary focus is on the Lok Sabha elections at the national level. “The alliance was for the Lok Sabha polls and will continue to be together at the national level,” she said, indicating that AAP’s strategy in the state assembly elections may be independent of the alliance.

AAP’s decision to contest all 36 seats in Mumbai is a significant development in Maharashtra’s political scene. With its focus on clean politics and a new political culture, AAP aims to replicate its governance model from Delhi and Punjab in Maharashtra. As the party gears up for the elections, it remains to be seen how its entry will impact the political dynamics in the state.