 "Fight is against corruption, your vote is your weapon: Kejriwal")
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal did not disappoint the modest crowd largely consisting of youths and working class gathered at the historic August Kranti Maidan during his two hour long road show in south Mumbai.
Kejriwal was given a hero's welcome when they shouted Vande Mataram, Desh Ka Neta Kaisa ho Arvind Kejriwal jaisa ho. Kejriwal supporters were quite happy to be part of the road show of their leader, who they claim was committed to serve country by pursuing sanity and transparency.
In the scorching sun Kejriwal, wearing his trademark white Gandhi cap, accepted the greetings and started his road show at around 3 pm for party's candidate and former banker Meera Sanyal. As the tempo carrying Kejriwal and AAP leaders slowly progressed towards Khilafat House in Nagpada, supporters joined their leader while Mumbaikars were quite amused to see him.
Some were busy taking snaps on their mobiles while a few were thronged the cavalcade to get an opportunity to shake hands with the man.
At Lamington Road, supporters made him stop the vehicles and interact with them. Twenty-five-year-old Amin Sayyed hugged Kejriwal saying that he would mobilize adequate support for AAP as he believed the party was one with a difference and the need of the hour.
Another youth came to garland Kejriwal and said he had high hopes from him as the country really needed a change.
Kejriwal, in a short but a spirited speech, exhorted his followers and Mumbaikars to join the second freedom struggle. He alleged that corruption had scaled a new high and the aam aadmi's issues are not addressed on a priority. Amid slogan shouting and cheers, Kejriwal asked them to support him to bring the change.
''The fight is against corruption and your vote is your weapon,'' noted Kejriwal.
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During the road show an agitated youth, whose name could not be ascertained, however, alleged that Kejriwal was a publicity monger and was not to be taken seriously.
''Had he been serious he would not have resigned as Delhi chief minister. He is answerable to the people,'' he added.
When Kejriwal arrived at Khilafat House, which was a witness to the Independence struggle and which now works as a centre for Hindu-Muslim unity, the office bearers welcomed him and wished him success. Kejriwal then proceeded for another road show for the party nominee and activist Medha Patkar in north east Mumbai.
Earlier, there was chaos at Churchgate station in south Mumbai when Kejriwal arrived in a suburban train from Andheri. AAP supporters reportedly damaged metal detectors at Churchgate. While many commuters complained of inconvenience, AAP workers said the metal detectors were not working