Ex-transport minister uses tried and tested auto mode

Former Delhi transport minister Saurabh Bhardwaj kicked off an autorickshaw poster campaign in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Other parties are imitating AAP’s trademark poster campaign, which was the reason behind the party’s good performance during the Delhi Assembly elections, he said.
“It was our most effective campaign. Unlike other parties, we never had to hire management consultants for crores of rupees,” the Aam Aadmi Party leader said.

In the previous election campaign, the city’s autorickshaw drivers in solidarity with the party had put Kejriwal-posters on the rear end of their vehicles.

The campaign for general election has ensured that the lines are clearly drawn. Last week, a faction of auto drivers who earlier supported AAP had launched anti-Kejriwal posters, condemning the party for its unfulfilled promises. And another group led by the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh had said they will campaign for the BJP prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi.

Bhardwaj said these are symbolic protests by small, motivated groups. “I have read it in the news already. But these posters are nowhere to be seen,” he said, arguing that AAP government has delivered on its promises. “AAP government had identified 550 spots for autorickshaw stands,” he said.

The work is being delayed because the BJP-controlled municipal corporations did not cooperate with his government, alleged Bhardwaj.

He added that the CNG price was contained because his government had filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, following the Centre’s decision of price hike. But the joy of Rs 14.90 reduction may be short-lived as gas distribution companies are likely to increase the rates in April.

The city has nearly 85,000 autorickshaws. AAP said it is prepared to counter any negative campaign.

“The faction which defected from the party was upset about not getting party ticket,” alleged Sanjay Chawla who manages the party’s auto cell. He said that the party has ordered 10,000 posters in the first lot.