Arvind Kejriwal is campaigning in Punjab even as his leadership is being questioned by party members
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal is out to answer his detractors -- by attempting to revive the party's fortunes in Punjab, the only state which has sent four AAP members to the parliament.
Still, the by-polls in Punjab's two assembly constituencies could be a test case for AAP to assess its political status in the state.
The polls come at a time when Kejriwal has come under repeated criticism for leadership with many high profile party members quitting the party. Last week, AAP founder member and former law minister Shanti Bhushan criticised the AAP chief's leadership and competence.
But that has not stopped the former Indian Revenue Service officer from going on the campaign trail in Punjab. On Sunday, Mr Kejriwal sought votes for the party candidate in Patiala and on Monday, he held a roadshow in support of Prof Baljinder Kaur in Talwandi Sabo.
"All those who think AAP is losing ground should wait for 21st August," Mr Kejriwal told his audience. "Both Akali Dal and Congress are equally corrupt and both fear the Aam Admi Party. They are trying everything to defame the party. The people of the state have already made up their minds."
But even though AAP has captured 24 percent votes in Punjab, the Congress and the Akali Dal are not particularly worried.
"Arvind Kejriwal is talking and behaving like a frustrated anarchist who had lost his will and way in politics," said Senior Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh.
"AAP only knows to make tall claims and dharnas. They don't know how to serve the people. Delhi people were cheated by Kejriwal who quit the government after 49 days, as he wanted to become the Prime Minister," said Union minister Harsimrat Kaur.