Mumbai: Launching its Lok Sabha campaign in Maharashtra with a roadshow and rally in Mumbai, the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday attacked both the BJP and the Congress for being corrupt and called itself a "real alternative" and not a "substitute" to the existing political establishment.
Addressing the rally which saw an impressive turnout, senior AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said the country had not reached such a low point as to choose only between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. "The common man would run the aam aadmi's government," he said.
"When we talk of corruption by Congress, people say we know it, don't bore us. Where was Rahul when Commonwealth Games, 2G, Adarsh, irrigation scams came to light?" Mr Yadav said.
Also on the AAP leader's target was the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, "There are misconceptions about Narendra Modi. He makes big speeches and says I am a common man. But I want to ask: how did Adani grow in Gujarat? Who gave the corporate land at discounted rates? When Indian Air Force asked for land, Gujarat government asked for market value."
Mr Yadav also brought up the issue of Mukesh Ambani-managed KG Basin and said, "If Rahul Gandhi sneezes, Modi has a comment to make. But he has not spoken a single word on this issue. Why? What does this prove? They are hand in glove."
Also attended by AAP candidates Mayank Gandhi, Anjali Damania, Medha Patkar, Meera Sanyal and Vijay Pandhare, the rally was an effort to cash in on local sentiments, with the rookie party even honouring Maratha warrior king Shivaji by garlanding his statue.
But perhaps the biggest announcement of the evening was the Aam Aadmi Party's policy on slum redevelopment, a major issue in Mumbai.
Mayank Gandhi, candidate from Mumbai North-West, said, "We are working on a policy with Medha Patkar on slum redevelopment. No slum dweller will be evicted without being given a home. Each home will be 450 square feet carpet area."
"In (Mukesh) Ambani's mansion, there is light but people cannot light their homes because of steep electricity rates," Ms Patkar said in her address.
While AAP is taking on the political and corporate establishments in the run-up to national elections, it remains to be seen whether it can recreate the Delhi magic across the country.
Addressing the rally which saw an impressive turnout, senior AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said the country had not reached such a low point as to choose only between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. "The common man would run the aam aadmi's government," he said.
"When we talk of corruption by Congress, people say we know it, don't bore us. Where was Rahul when Commonwealth Games, 2G, Adarsh, irrigation scams came to light?" Mr Yadav said.
Mr Yadav also brought up the issue of Mukesh Ambani-managed KG Basin and said, "If Rahul Gandhi sneezes, Modi has a comment to make. But he has not spoken a single word on this issue. Why? What does this prove? They are hand in glove."
Advertisement
But perhaps the biggest announcement of the evening was the Aam Aadmi Party's policy on slum redevelopment, a major issue in Mumbai.
Advertisement
"In (Mukesh) Ambani's mansion, there is light but people cannot light their homes because of steep electricity rates," Ms Patkar said in her address.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
AAP vs BJP Again Over Demolition Activities In Delhi "Take Immediate Action": Rahul Gandhi On INDIA's Bihar Ally Brutal Murder "Demand Of Every Patriotic Indian Is...": Rahul Gandhi On Doda Terror Attack World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report "Re-Exam Only On Concrete Footing": Supreme Court On NEET-UG Row "Avoid Travel": India Issues Advisory For Nationals In Bangladesh Amid Unrest 'Dark Comets' May Pose Bigger Threat Than Previously Thought To Earth "NEET-UG Re-Test Only If Sanctity Lost On Large Scale": Supreme Court Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.