Khichripur Ward seems to be a sure shot victory for AAP

In a bid to make a mark in the upcoming MCD by-elections and keeping an eye on the 2017 Municipal election, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is aggressively campaigning in East Delhi’s Khichripur Municipal Corporation seat (Ward 214). While its opponent BJP is not leaving any stone unturned in terms of campaigning, Congress seems to be nowhere even in the campaigning scenario. Even public mood seems to be in support of AAP.

AAP recently conducted a survey with the residents of Ghazipur to find that how the locals have been suffering due to garbage dumping in the area which causes health problem. The Ghazipur landfill is in the East Delhi Municipal Corporation’s Khichripur ward, which was vacated by then-independent councillor Vinod Kumar Binny in 2013.

While campaigning for the by-elections, which will be held on May 15, the AAP candidate Yogesh Kumar said he would take up the cause of Ghazipur residents.

“I don’t know if we will be able to do anything about the landfill and the waste-to-energy plant. But, the first thing we will do is conduct a health survey to find out what are the problems being faced by residents because of the toxic smoke and gases,” said Kumar. He added that the people in the area had been falling sick because of the proximity to the overflowing Ghazipur garbage dump and if elected he would do something about it.

BJP has given the ticket to former AAP MLA Vinod Kumar Binny, who had won the councillor election as an independent candidate, joined BJP in 2014, but lost the 2015 election. 

“The AAP government has been in power for more than a year, but it has failed to deliver on its promises.  AAP made false promises,” said Vijay Singh Tariyal, a BJP supporter in area.

With Congress nowhere in the picture, even voters in the area said it is going to be a tough election for BJP. The by-polls are being seen as a precursor to the Municipal elections next year to gauge public mood.