New Delhi [India], March 21: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj was appointed as the party’s Delhi convenor on Friday. Following his appointment, Bharadwaj outlined his main priority as expanding the party’s organization, emphasizing that the party should momentarily shift focus away from elections to concentrate on strengthening its foundation.
“I believe that for a while, we need to look at the Aam Aadmi Party beyond elections. Our first priority will be to expand the party’s organization. Elections will come and go, and we will win too,” Bharadwaj stated to the media after the party’s Political Action Committee (PAC) meeting.
Expressing his gratitude towards those who have remained loyal to the party even after electoral setbacks, Bharadwaj remarked, “I believe that after losing elections, organization building becomes easier because when you win, many people join you. But those who stay with the party after losses are like pure gold. Anyone still with the party, willing to work for its success, is pure gold.”
In a subtle critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bharadwaj claimed that even though the BJP employed tactics like using the police and Election Commission to secure victories, half of Delhi’s population still supported AAP. “Even with the use of police and the Election Commission, half of Delhi’s population voted for us. We need to take care of them. We also need to address those who voted for BJP, believing promises like Rs 2,500 and cheaper gas cylinders,” he said.
Additionally, Bharadwaj reiterated AAP’s commitment to supporting the Delhi government and its MLAs, stressing that they deserve “complete respect” from officials. “AAP stands with Delhi MLAs and the Delhi government. When PWD Minister Parvesh Verma goes for inspections, the PWD secretary is not with him. An elected government should receive full respect, and officers will have to heed the elected representatives,” he asserted.
Earlier on Friday, the AAP appointed Saurabh Bharadwaj as the chief of its Delhi unit, replacing Gopal Rai, who will now focus on strategizing for the party in Gujarat. Meanwhile, Pankaj Gupta has been named the state convenor for AAP Goa. This decision was made following a PAC meeting held at the residence of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
Delhi Leader of Opposition and AAP MLA Atishi congratulated Bharadwaj on his appointment as Delhi convenor.