'People want change, AAP only alternative'

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already made political inroads in Chhattisgarh through its direct contact with voters and by standing for people's issues, said Gopal Rai, Delhi cabinet minister and Chhattisgarh in-charge, calling the AAP the true alternative to the BJP in the poll-bound state.

He said the BJP had ruled the state for 15 years, while the Congress had never made contact with people since the formation of the state. So AAP is the only alternative, he said, addressing the media on Monday.

State AAP unit will start ‘Jhaadu Chalao-Brashtachar Baghao’ (Sweep Corruption Out) programme across Chhattisgarh on October 2, which will include road shows and public meetings in 45 state assembly constituencies, said Rai.

He said all the rallies would converge at Raipur on October 10 where a roadshow would be organised and a report on the political scenario presented.

Rai said each day corruption cases would be exposed and issues related to unemployment and farmers, among others, would be highlighted.

Rai said even small budgets can do wonders if honest initiatives are taken like the AAP government in Delhi. He cited the Delhi initiatives such as discounted power bills, free water, improvement of government schools and how the government is reaching out to people instead of people approaching it. Senior citizens are getting Rs 2,500 pension a month, while martyrs are given Rs 1 crore ex-gratia and for crop loss farmers get Rs 50,000 per acre of land as compensation.