The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken a significant step forward in its campaign for the Mumbai civic body elections. On Thursday, the party unveiled its second list of candidates, naming 15 individuals who will contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
A Growing List of Contenders
This latest announcement brings the total number of candidates fielded by the AAP to 36. The party had previously released its first list of 21 candidates just last week, indicating a rapid and structured rollout of its electoral strategy. The move solidifies AAP's intent to make a substantial impact in the crucial Mumbai civic elections, challenging established political players in the financial capital.
Sharp Criticism for Rivals
Preeti Sharma Menon, the Mumbai president of AAP, did not mince words when commenting on the political landscape. She acknowledged the recent alliance between the Thackeray factions but pointedly criticized the prevailing political discourse. "We are happy that two brothers have come together," Menon stated, referring to Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. "But all we have seen is Uddhav and Raj Thackeray and the BJP's Ashish Shelar trading barbs at each other."
She further took aim at the Congress, noting its apparent absence from active campaigning. Menon launched a broadside against all existing parties in the fray, accusing them of benefiting from the status quo. "The fact is that all existing parties are status quo beneficiaries and have looted the BMC, whether as the ruling party or by being complicit as the opposition," she alleged.
The Promise of 'Kaam Ki Rajniti'
Contrasting AAP's approach with that of its rivals, Menon emphasized that other parties have no concrete work to showcase for their past tenures. She accused them of resorting to diversionary tactics through public spats. "These parties have no work to show and hence are using diversionary tactics through their mutual mudslinging," she claimed.
Highlighting her own party's preparedness, Menon pointed out the disarray among other coalitions. "None of these parties can agree on a single list," she said, while underscoring that the Aam Aadmi Party has already hit the ground running. The campaign is being driven by the core philosophy of 'Kaam Ki Rajniti' (Politics of Work), championed by national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The early release of two candidate lists is presented as evidence of the party's organizational discipline and clear agenda focused on governance and development, rather than political theatrics.
