MCD polls: JDU to use Nitish’s video message to boost last leg of campaigning
In the final phase of campaigning for MCD elections, JDU plans to cash in on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s clean image and Purvanchali appeal by playing his recorded video message.
As the campaign for the municipal election in Delhi has entered its last leg, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Janta Dal (United) has decided to use his video message to woo voters. Kumar had addressed two rallies in Burari and Badarpur earlier this month in support of his party candidates but demand started pouring in from other areas also.
Since Kumar could not stay in Delhi for long, JDU on Monday released a 15-minute long video message where Bihar CM is sen appealing to Delhi voters to support his party.
The party entered the electoral battle, especially counting on the 40-lakh odd Purvanchali voters spread across the city. But at places where a local face matters, the party has fielded Jat, Gurjar, Muslim or Sikh candidate, depending on the area. There are 100 candidates in fray.
“Nitish Kumar has a direct connect with the people of Purvanchali and he is the only face we have. He could not get much time so we decided to record his message and play it on big screens in wards, where our candidates are contesting. He is again talking about full statehood for Delhi and special status for Bihar,” said Sanjay Jha, national general secretary of the party.
There are a number of assembly constituencies where the Purvanchali population is more than 30 per cent, including Dwarka, Vikaspuri, Patparganj, Uttam Nagar, RK Puram, Badli, Matiala, Laxmi Nagar among others. JDU had filed nomination in 111 of the 272 wards but nomination of 11 candidates was rejected.
“Nitish Kumar is an idol for the people of UP and Bihar. Even his video message is generating huge response. People are fed up of other parties and we are sure that his clean image will help us in Delhi,” said Manoj Kumar Nigam, party’s candidate from Shalimar Bagh ward.
JDU is contesting in rural areas and unauthorised colonies and the party is campaigning on Bihar model and issue of liquor ban.
“From a position, where we were nowhere in the picture, to the position where we are giving a tough fight, the party will surely make in impact in this election. Both AAP and BJP were eyeing Purvanchali voters but where we are contesting the people from UP and Bihar will vote for us. There is anger against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which will help us,” Jha added.