Karnataka polls: AAP cadre feeling Arvind Kejriwal’s absence

BENGALURU: It’s like going to war without the commander! While Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is leaving no stone unturned to increase its footprint in Karnataka, the absence of party supremo Arvind Kejriwal from campaigning is proving to be quite a dampener for the party cadre. AAP chief and Delhi chief minister Kejriwal was in Karnataka in the run-up to the May 10 polls just once — in Davanagere in March.It is widely believed that developments in Delhi have kept the CM occupied, despite the fact that the Karnataka election is the first major electoral battle since AAP attained national party status.
Kejriwal’s absence is being felt by AAP workers all the more as all the other major parties have unleashed their entire array of stars for election campaigning in the state. Responding to a query from TOI , Prithvi Reddy, AAP state convener and national executive body member, said: “We are a small party. Two of our main ministers, who were looking after 24 portfolios between themselves, are today in jail. Arvind Kejriwal’s first responsibility will be to ensure that the government keeps functioning and the people of Delhi are not let down.”
Reddy said other AAP leaders such as MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chaddha and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann have been campaigning for the party. Refusing to accept that the party is handicapped because of Kejriwal’s absence, Reddy added: “Although he [Kejriwal] is not here in person, his principles and politics are.”
Srinivasa Reddy, AAP candidate from BTM Layout, said: “Yes, we are still expecting Arvind Kejriwal to come and it will definitely bolster the party’s prospects. We are focusing on Bengaluru South and are expecting more leaders to visit before May 8.”