After Chandigarh win, AAP sets eyes on Shimla

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 29

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has set its sight on the Shimla Municipal Corporation elections following its success in the Chandigarh MC polls, where it emerged the as largest party.

“Winning the Chandigarh MC is a massive victory for us. It’s indeed a huge encouragement for us ahead of the Shimla MC poll, where we will put up a similar show,” said AAP state in-charge Ratnesh Gupta.

Buoyed by the positive results, AAP has already started making its moves for the elections due in June. “We are in touch with several top local leaders of the BJP and the Congress and many of them are keen on joining us. It’s possible that we will fight the elections under the leadership of the local leaders,” said Gupta. However, the party would not accept tainted leaders. “We will open doors to those who enjoy good reputation and want to work for the people,” he said.

Incidentally, AAP had fought the elections for urban local bodies in the state but had failed to impress. “Actually, we did not get enough time to prepare for the elections,” said Gupta. “But we did well in the poll held for panchayati raj institutions. Of the 40 seats we fought, we won 36 seats,” he said.

Sounding a warning to the two parties, Gupta said AAP would sweep the Punjab Assembly elections ahead of the Shimla MC poll. “The Punjab election results will indicate that AAP is going to sweep not just the Shimla MC elections, but also the state Assembly poll due next year,” said Gupta.