UP will vote for the new government in 2022 with AAP among those challenging the BJP (File)
Lucknow:
Promises of “true nationalism” and, for the first time, “Ram Rajya” – both issues backed by the ruling BJP – marked the formal start of the Aam Aadmi Party’s campaign campaign in Uttar Pradesh for the 2022 election.
but a huge crowd gathered tricolor, or the flag, rally in UP’s Faizabad, the ‘twin city’ till Ayodhya and where the Ram temple is being built. The rally was led by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.
“We got an opportunity to visit Ram Janmabhoomi and meet many saints who wished our victory. We prayed to you to get a chance to form the government in UP,” Sisodia told reporters before the rally began.
“We will form a government that will rule on the ideals laid down by Lord Ram,” he said.
On Monday, the two leaders visited several temples in Ayodhya, including the under-construction Ram temple and Hanumangarhi temple.
The symbolism of AAP starting the UP election campaign from Ayodhya is clear.
Earlier this month Mr Singh announced his The party will contest on all 403 seats. And, by doing so, expose the “fake nationalism” of the BJP and showcase its “real nationalism”.
“We take blessings of Shri Ramchandra ji”YesWill wave the tricolor (and will teach) real nationalism” – so runs one of the party’s main slogans for the rally.
The AAP – which is seen by some opponents as a softer alternative to the BJP – has also insisted that it does not make them the ‘B team’ of the ruling party – a label that came ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Applies to Congress, when Harish Rawat said. If successful in the elections, the party will try to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
“Ayodhya reflects the history and sentiments of the people across the country. We believe in ‘Ram Rajya’ in true essence… We are nothing but the ‘B team’ of the BJP. We believe in giving the same to the voters. What they deserve, AAP’s state spokesperson HUDA Jariwala said when asked whether instigating nationalism could lead to a separation of the party’s campaign from the BJP.
Next year’s election will be AAP’s first in the UP state elections.
The party contested the 2014 elections, but suffered major losses – Arvind Kejriwal lost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (in Varanasi) and Kumar Vishwas was defeated by Rahul Gandhi (in Amethi).
Apart from the Aam Aadmi Party, almost every major party that has contested or wants to contest elections has made a pit stop in Ayodhya this year.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is a regular visitor to Ayodhya, and the prime minister had laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple last year.
Mayawati in July BSP started its campaign to woo Brahmin voters from Ayodhya, And a Samajwadi Party’s visit also touched the temple town.
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