Sweep out BJP’s dishonest politics, says SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during a campaign in support of AAP

Many migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh gather for the roadshow held in northwest Delhi

Standing atop a mini truck in Kirari in northwest Delhi, Samajwadi Party Chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday campaigned during a roadshow in support of the Aam Aadmi party ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls. He was joined by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Mr. Yadav, holding a jhaadu — AAP’s symbol — urged the people to vote for the party in large numbers. He said, “This broom will wipe out the dishonest BJP from Delhi.”

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The narrow lanes of Kirari that were awash with the AAP colours of white, yellow and blue were also dotted with images of cycles — the symbol of the Samajwadi party.

After chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ , Mr. Yadav addressed the gathering. He said, “I am thankful to Mr. Kejriwal, to allow me to meet my people, and I can see the enthusiasm for the elections. Do not forget, this jhaadu will be the reason to wipe out the BJP’s dishonesty, and it is my appeal to you to vote for AAP in large numbers.”

He added, “AAP has showcased their strength. Their education and health models have become examples locally and internationally. Don’t waste this opportunity, make Kejriwal win.”

The crowd erupted in cheers when Mr. Kejriwal started his speech.

The AAP leader asked people if they received 24-hour supply of electricity and water, and had access to mohalla clinics and Delhi government schools, to which the people responded with more cheers.

“Don’t press the wrong button, if you do so, the electricity bill will be ₹5,000, and education will be at private schools which will cost ₹10,000. They will also stop free bus seva for women, it will all come to ₹25,000 a month, who will pay this? And don’t vote for Congress, as it will only benefit the BJP,” Mr. Kejriwal said.

Among the crowd was Pawan Kumar Yadav, 40, a construction labourer and a supporter of the SP from Etah, working in Delhi. “A tragedy happened in Kumbh Mela and the BJP was tight-lipped. Protocols exist for the rich, but nobody cares when poor people die. At least with AAP we are able to secure basic facilities.”

Many in the crowd wore masks depicted Mr. Kejriwal. Some had painted their bodies with the SP’s colours — red and green. Women held their children in one arm, and the jhaadu in another.

Before the arrival of the leaders, people danced and celebrated to the tune of “Phir Laayenge Kejriwal”.

Kishan, 65, said he had lived in Kirari for 20 years. He has seen how the area grew into an urbanised colony, where working class migrants settled.

“The street the party leaders walked on was covered in sewage a few months ago. There is no proper drainage system, but thanks to political rallies and roadshows, at least they cleaned our roads, and now we shall wait for the next election season for further development,” he said wryly. Drains here are clogged with plastic bottles and garbage.

Reena Devi, 40, a migrant from Dewariya in Uttar Pradesh, said she had come to see “Akhilesh bhaiya”. “Our concerns don’t get heard. The garbage is not cleaned regularly, and we fall sick because of sewage on streets. The stench is bad but migrants like us only live on hope,” she said.

The two leaders deciding to join hands for a roadshow was a strategic move, supporters said.

SP supporter Shyam Singh Sunder, from Badarpur, came to the rally wearing a red topi. He said, “SP decided to join hands with AAP in Delhi, as it currently holds power. Had Congress held the same position, we’d have supported Congress. The idea is to defeat the BJP, as they are trying to break democracy. We know Kejriwal will win.”

Published - January 30, 2025 10:32 pm IST