"BJP Arrogant, Give AAP A Chance": Arvind Kejriwal's Appeal In Gujarat

Upbeat after its thumping victory in the Punjab election, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party has shifted its focus to Gujarat, the home turf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The western state votes later this year.

Accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Mr Kejriwal today visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and participated in a roadshow that AAP has named the Tiranga Yatra.

Addressing the roadshow, Mr Kejriwal said the BJP has been in power in Gujarat for 25 years but could not end corruption.

"I am not here to criticise any party. I have not come here to defeat the BJP. I have not come to defeat the Congress. I have come to make Gujarat win. We have to make Gujarat and Gujaratis victorious. We have to end corruption in Gujarat," he said.

"After 25 years, they (BJP) are now arrogant. They don't listen to the people anymore. Give one chance to Aam Aadmi Party, like the people of Punjab did, the people of Delhi did. Give one chance to Aam Aadmi Party, if you don't like us, change us the next time. Give one chance to Aam Aadmi Party, you will forget all parties," he said.

Addressing the roadshow, Mr Mann said, "Delhi and Punjab are sorted, now we are preparing for Gujarat."

Earlier in the day, the two AAP leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram on the first day of their two-day Gujarat trip. They were seen spinning the charkha at the 'Hriday Kunj', which used to be the residential quarters of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi.

The leaders also visited the museum inside the Ashram.

Addressing the media after the tour of the Ashram, Mr Kejriwal said, "I feel gratitude to be born in the same country as Gandhiji. This is my first visit since I became Delhi Chief Minister. But I used to come here as an activist as well."

Mr Mann said, "I come from a land of freedom fighters-Punjab. I got to see a lot here. Gandhi Ji's letters and the various movements he spearheaded. Charkha is part of every other household in Punjab. My mother and grandmother also use it. I have seen the Charkha being used since my childhood. We are nationalist people and we love the nation. This is my first visit to Gujarat since I became Punjab CM."

Mr Kejriwal refused to answer political questions from the media and said, "Ye pavitra sthaan hai. Rajneeti ki batein bahar" (This is a pure place. All political talks will be done outside.)