Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday campaigned in Goa’s Ponda constituency, urging voters to support the party in the upcoming bypoll and in the 2027 Assembly elections, promising free electricity if AAP forms the government in the state.
Addressing a public meeting in support of party candidate Gitesh Naik, Kejriwal said AAP’s governance model in Delhi and Punjab has ensured free electricity for households, and claimed a similar approach would be implemented in Goa within a month of coming to power.
He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power in Goa for over a decade, alleging shortcomings in public services such as healthcare, water supply and infrastructure. Kejriwal also raised concerns over local civic conditions in Ponda, citing issues such as waste management, road conditions and water quality, based on feedback from residents.
The AAP leader urged voters to “give one chance” to his party, arguing that AAP represents an alternative to established political parties. He also highlighted the work of AAP legislators in Goa, claiming they have focused on public service initiatives.
During his address, Kejriwal also made political allegations regarding rival parties and candidates in the bypoll, including claims of tacit understandings between parties. These claims could not be independently verified.
{{/usCountry}}During his address, Kejriwal also made political allegations regarding rival parties and candidates in the bypoll, including claims of tacit understandings between parties. These claims could not be independently verified.
{{/usCountry}}The Ponda by-election was necessitated following the death of former MLA Ravi Naik. Polling is scheduled for April 9.
There was no immediate response from the BJP or the Congress to the allegations made by Kejriwal.