Accusing the ruling BJP and main opposition Congress of being in cahoots in Gujarat, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday expressed confidence that people will elect his party to power in the 2027 state polls.
Elated by AAP leader Gopal Italia's victory in the recent byelection to Visavadar assembly seat in the state, the former Delhi chief minister said unlike in the past, people have an alternative in the form of AAP.
He was speaking here after launching a membership drive of his party in Gujarat, aimed at expanding its base and strengthening the booth-level organisation before the 2027 assembly polls.
It was not a coincidence that Italia's victory margin was three times that of the previous AAP MLA who had won from the seat in 2022, Kejriwal said.
"It is often seen that the party in power wins a byelection. (But) Though the BJP tried every trick in the book, Gopal Italia emerged victorious. I believe this is God's message. God is trying to say something to all of us," said Kejriwal in his speech.
"Congress ruled Gujarat for 30 years and the BJP ruled for 30 years (from 1995 onwards). Now the wheel of time has turned, and it is time for the BJP to go. A new party, which will be honest and patriotic, will come to power in 2027. AAP will come to power and work for the people," he added.
The BJP has failed to provide basic amenities like good roads, he said.
Referring to recent arrests in an MNREGA scam in some districts of Gujarat, Kejriwal said the Congress only did the BJP's bidding.
"How did they (BJP) manage to rule for 30 years? Because Congress is in their pockets. BJP leaders have become arrogant because they know that the people of Gujarat have no option other than voting for them. Leaders of both the parties work hand in glove," he alleged.
Seventy per cent of government contracts go to those close to the BJP, while those close to Congress are given remaining 30 per cent of contracts, Kejriwal claimed.
"The leaders of both parties have started their own companies. As a result, neither BJP nor Congress leaders ever go to jail. Both of them get contracts together. Congress only works for BJP," he said.
"For 30 years, the public did not have an option. Now the option is Aam Aadmi Party. Visavadar by-election was a semi-final. In 2027, our party will form the government.... The rule of corrupt people will end," said Kejriwal.
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