What Arvind Kejriwal Is Likely To Promise Punjab Farmers At Moga Rally

New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is holding a mega rally in Punjab's Moga to reach out to the farmers, where is also expected to release separate a manifesto outlining his party's approach for them.

Mr Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party - which swept Delhi in last year's assembly elections - is perceived mostly as a party for the urban populace. The challenge it is facing in Punjab, where it hopes to win big in next year's assembly elections, is to portray itself as one that stands up equally for the rural people.

Party sources say the manifesto will highlight a number of issues - including takeover of land of farmers who have been unable to pay their debts and minimum support price for crops.  

Sources said the manifesto also promises to implement of the Swaminathan panel report by 2020, which promises payment of 50 per cent profit over and above input cost to the farmers.

The manifesto is also expected to promise rural start-ups around agriculture will get interest-free loans, the tenure of which is yet to be decided.

The party's outreach to farmers was preceded by a political fracas with the state's ruling Alaki-BJP government. AAP alleged that the state government is deliberately keeping school buses off the road under the pretext of inspection to make it difficult for farmers to attend the rally.

Mr Kejriwal has been making frequent visits to the state, where AAP won four seats in the 2014 general election.