Looking to gain ground in posh localities such as DLF City, Sushant Lok, Southcity, Palam Vihar and Huda sectors, various political parties are said to be in talks with local resident welfare associations (RWAs) to strike an alliance.
This being the first municipal polls in the city, political parties have little influence and are yet to establish a voter base in upscale localities.
RWAs, on the other hand, have become extremely powerful over the last few years and are in direct contact with residents. This seems to have given them an upper hand in negotiations.
Two major resident bodies Joint Action Forum of Resident Associations (Jafra) and Gurgaon Citizens Council (GCC) have already announced some of their candidates for the upcoming municipal elections to be held on May 15.
“We have been receiving constant calls from various political parties who are either looking for support or have expressed interest in fielding a common candidate. We have said no for now as we are not a political organisation,” said Col (retd) Ratan Singh, Jafra chairman.
He added, “Major political parties have acknowledged the might of RWAs especially in privately developer colonies and Huda sectors.”
{{/usCountry}}He added, “Major political parties have acknowledged the might of RWAs especially in privately developer colonies and Huda sectors.”
{{/usCountry}}GCC president RS Rathee too claimed that a couple of political party leaders were in touch with him requesting an alliance in New Gurgaon wards.
Even Ashok Arora, state president of INLD, did not rule out the possibility of an alliance. He, however, refuted claims that the party did not have a voter base in New Gurgaon. BJP spokesperson Anurag Bakshi, however, denied holding talks with RWAs.