Opinion: Aam Aadmi Party's footsteps in Gujarat, beneficial or harmful for Gujarat?

- Will Aam Aadmi Party's footsteps change politics in Gujarat?
- Does the victory of Aam Aadmi Party express the indignation of Patidars?
- After the results of Gujarat Municipal Corporation elections were declared, the results of Surat city created an atmosphere of surprise all over the state.

The Aam Aadmi Party, the ninth in politics, i.e. AAP, has stunned political experts by winning 27 out of 120 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party has taken the place of the Opposition in Surat under the presidency of Gopal Italia. Arvind Kejriwal has also rallied in Surat after this historic incident.

Does the victory of the Aam Aadmi Party express the indignation of the Patidars?

According to experts, your victory is not affecting the BJP much at present. However, the opposition Congress has been marginalized ahead of the Assembly elections. It is believed that the Patidars, annoyed with the BJP due to the Patidar reservation movement, have given a place to the Delhi party in Gujarat by voting for AAP. There is also talk that there is resentment in the society over the entry of Patidar leader Hardik Patel into the Congress. However, it is certain that Gujarat BJP will need to be vigilant with your entry even after some time if not now.

This factor may be responsible for the crushing defeat of the Congress

Congress has not succeeded in forming a government in the state even once since 1995. According to a prevailing opinion in Gujarat, the Congress has been blamed for the riots against reservation in the 80s. It is said that at that time the Congress government in the state had resorted to Don Latif to maintain his KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan, Tribal, Muslim) vote bank. Violent clashes with protesters against Latif's reservation later turned communal.

Once the Congress lost power in Gujarat, the Congress has not been able to take advantage of the existing anti-incumbency to overthrow the government for more than 20 years. This is due to the internal turmoil of the Congress and the dissatisfaction of the party high command.

Your role for 2020 Delhi riots?

The actions of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal in the violent communal clashes against the CAA-NRC Act are believed to have angered Gujarat.

Gujarat BJP leaders have alleged that AAP's leftist policies and their attitude towards minorities could erode the spirit of peace and sincerity in Gujarat. Gujarat has a large tribal population. There is also a fear that your presence will start Naxal activities in the state.

What is your attitude towards Khalistan?

Apart from Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party candidates have also been elected in Punjab. According to sources, AAP tried to get votes in 2014 by trying to support Khalistan. Gujarat shares a border with Pakistan. There is an opinion that any such activity of yours can be dangerous not only for Gujarat but also for the security of the country.

BJP's way of looking down on you?

However, there is talk in the state that the BJP is stepping up such discussions to maintain its dominance. The choice of your candidates is a referendum and the opinion that the issue should not be politicized is also under discussion. On the other hand, Arvind Kejriwal's transformation of Delhi's education and health facilities is said to have attracted voters.