In a last-minute announcement, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal declared on X on Wednesday morning that he will undertake a “nomination padayatra” from the party office to Jamnagar House – the New Delhi district magistrate’s office – where he would filed his nomination for the New Delhi Assembly constituency.
“Many of my mothers and sisters from all over Delhi will accompany me to bless me,” he wrote.
What followed was a show of strength by women from all age groups. As construction workers, autorickshaw and bus drivers, shopkeepers and pedestrians looked on, the kilometre-long padayatra was dominated by women. As they danced on the road, Kejriwal’s wife Sunita joined in. Drums rolled in the background and speakers announced, “Phir aayenge Kejriwal”.
Before he began the padyatra, Kejriwal and his family members offered prayers at Hanuman and Valmiki temples before filing his nomination.
Standing next to his wife and other family members, including his daughter, Kejriwal primarily made one appeal: “Let our party, which works, form the government… I appeal to all mothers and sisters to pray.”
“Today, your brother, your son is going to file his nomination,” he added.
Reiterating the party’s poll promise for women, the Mahila Samman Yojana, Kejriwal said, “If voted to power, we will continue our work in education, healthcare, electricity, water, roads, and provide Rs 2,100 to all women (who do not pay income tax).”
Taking a dig at the BJP, he added, “We have a clear vision for Delhi… The BJP, however, has neither a chief ministerial face nor leadership. It has not communicated what it plans to do for Delhi or what it has achieved in the last 10 years. BJP only spends its time abusing me… The people of Delhi are watching, and they will vote accordingly.”
While the crowd raised slogans of “Arvind Kejriwal Zindabad” during the foot march, not all could keep up with the pace.
Usha Devi (65), a party worker took a break mid-way. “All political parties… have delivered poll promises but I trust AAP the most… The trust is because of their work… from mohalla clinics to development in education and healthcare sectors to providing free bus rides… they have done a lot,” she said.
Jyoti (43), who works as a security guard, arrived late at the AAP office, all the way from Ambedkar Nagar in South Delhi. “I do night shifts. My two daughters live alone in the house… I feel safe leaving them behind because the government has assured safety by setting up CCTV cameras and gates… The party has given so much importance to women’s safety… My daughters are safe,” she claimed.
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