AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal addressed a rally on Wednesday ahead of the April 9 by-election in Ponda.
PANAJI
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Ponda, accusing the State government of neglecting basic civic needs and urging voters to give AAP a chance.
Addressing a rally ahead of the April 9 by-election, Kejriwal said residents of Panditwada were receiving contaminated tap water and challenged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to drink it. He also flagged poor garbage management and neglected public facilities in the town. “Even basic pre-election repairs of roads and drains have not been done here,” he said.
Kejriwal claimed the Ayushmann Arogya Mandir near the venue had been shut for over a year. He also referred to a Curchorem case involving a BJP councillor’s son accused of sexually assaulting minors, alleging BJP leaders had remained silent. Targeting the Congress, he said the party was working with the BJP in Ponda and criticised what he called “opportunistic politics”.
He highlighted AAP’s governance in Delhi and Punjab, citing free electricity, water, better schools and healthcare.
AAP candidate Geetesh Naik promised visible development within eight months if elected, while party leaders accused the BJP of divisive politics.
The BJP has fielded Ritesh Naik for the by-election.
