 "Arvind Kejriwal")
During his two-hour road show here, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal didn’t disappoint the modest crowd, largely comprising youth and the working class.
The show, which began with a hero’s welcome for Kejriwal at the historic August Kranti Maidan in south Mumbai, with shouts of Vande Mataram and Desh ka neta kaisa ho…Arvind Kejriwal jaisa ho, sought to promote party candidate and former banker Meera Sanyal.
As the vehicle carrying Kejriwal and other AAP leaders made its way towards Khilafat House in Nagpada, many supporters joined the cavalcade. While some were busy clicking pictures, a few rushed forward to shake hands with the AAP chief.
At busy Lamington Road, Kejriwal interacted with many supporters. Amin Sayyed, a 25-year-old supporter, hugged Kejriwal and said he would mobilise adequate support for the AAP, as he believed the party was the need of the hour. Another youth said he had high expectations from Kejriwal, adding the country needed a change.
In a short but spirited speech, Kejriwal exhorted his followers to be a part of what he called the “second freedom struggle”. He alleged corruption had scaled new highs and the aam aadmi’s issues weren’t addressed on a priority basis. Amid cheers, Kejriwal asked his supporters to help bring a change. “The fight is against corruption, and your vote is your weapon,” he said.
During the road show, an agitated youth, however, alleged Kejriwal was a publicity monger and he shouldn’t be taken seriously. Had he been serious, he wouldn?t have resigned as Delhi chief minister. He is answerable to the people,? the youth said.
As Kejriwal arrived at Khilafat House, office bearers welcomed him and wished him success.
Following this, Kejriwal proceeded to another road show for Medha Patkar, activist and the AAP candidate for north east Mumbai.
Earlier in the day, chaos reigned at the Churchgate station here, when Kejriwal arrived in a suburban train from Andheri. Reportedly, AAP supporters damaged metal detectors at the Churchgate station. Many commuters complained Kejriwal?s train ride had caused them inconvenience.
