AAP forms 27-member panel as parties gear up for Bengaluru's civic polls

Bengaluru: With elections to the five newly carved city corporations expected soon, political parties have begun preparing to maximise their seat share.

On Wednesday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced a 27-member committee to lead its campaign. The panel will be headed by AAP working president Seetharam Gundappa, with V Lakshmikanth Rao as vice-president. AAP state president Mukhyamantri Chandru, Prakash Nedungadi, Jagadish V Sadam, Ashok Mruthyunjay, and Anil Nachappa are among the members.

Chandru accused the three major parties of delaying municipal polls, saying the city’s infrastructure had “deteriorated” and caused daily hardship.

AAP leader Prithvi Reddy said the party, which has its origins in Bengaluru, aims to deliver “world-class public education, healthcare and civic infrastructure through accountable governance".

With ward sizes now smaller than in 2015, the elections are expected to see a high-stakes contest.