IB report suggests AAP set to form govt in Gujarat with laser thin margin: Kejriwal

NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, OCT 2

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that an ‘Intelligence Bureau report’ suggested that AAP will form government in Gujarat if elections were held today.

He added that the report, however, showed only a thin margin of victory and called on people of Gujarat to give it a “big push” so that it gets a comfortable majority.

“According to sources, an IB report has come. It is written in the report that if elections are held today, then the Aam Aadmi Party will form the government in Gujarat,” Kejriwal told a press conference in Rajkot on Sunday.

  • Kejriwal promises Rs 40 per day for the upkeep of every cow in Gujarat and a shelter home for non-milching cattle in every district in Gujarat if the Aam Aadmi Party is voted to power

“Although  it is written in the report that right now it is with a thin margin. (We) are ahead with very few seats. The people of Gujarat will have to give a big push so that the (AAP) government is formed with a comfortable majority,” he added.

“Ever since the report has come, both these parties have united. They are conducting secret meetings, and the BJP has freaked out. Both the parties are using the same language to abuse the AAP,” he claimed.

He also alleged that the BJP was trying to strengthen Congress to corner AAP. “The BJP is making all efforts so that the Congress can be strengthened somehow and anti-BJP votes get divided. So that all those who are unhappy with the BJP get divided. And the Congress has been given the responsibility of taking as many votes of the AAP as it can,” he said while urging the people to be cautious.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann was also present at the press briefing.

Kejriwal promises benefits for cows to woo voters in Gujarat

The chief minister also promised Rs 40 per day for the upkeep of every cow in Gujarat and a shelter home for non-milching cattle in every district in Gujarat if the Aam Aadmi Party is voted to power.

“In Delhi, we give Rs 40 per cow per day. The Delhi government gives Rs 20 and another Rs 20 is given by the municipal corporation. If the AAP is voted to power in Gujarat, then we will provide Rs 40 per cow per day for their upkeep,” Kejriwal added.

Kejriwal’s announcement is a renewed push to counter the ruling BJP in Gujarat and attract Hindu voters, as per political experts.

“Panjrapole (shelters homes for cattle) will be constructed in every district for non-milching cows and those roaming on roads,” Kejriwal said and also assured that the AAP government will take all necessary steps for the benefit of cows in the state.

His announcement has come at a time when panjrapole owners have been protesting against the Gujarat government over its alleged failure to release a package as promised for the shelter homes.

Asked about an auto-rickshaw driver in Ahmedabad, at whose house Kejriwal had dinner, supporting the BJP, the AAP convener said he does not discriminate against people on the basis of which party they support.

“Whether they are from the Congress or BJP, they all invite me for dinner. I visit them without considering which party they vote for. They can vote for any party they like. If you call me for a meal, I will not ask you which party you vote for,” he said.

Kejriwal said if voted to power, the AAP will work for all people without discrimination on the basis of political party they belong to.