News India Live, Digital Desk: Once again ‘Aam Aadmi Party’ (AAP) has created a stir in the politics of Gujarat. In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state Gujarat, which is considered an impregnable fortress of BJP, shocking trends are emerging from the tribal belt there. According to the latest political analyzes and local feedback, Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘education and health’ model has been successful in making inroads in the tribal areas of Gujarat. This is being considered as a big ‘game plan’ of ‘AAP’ against BJP, which seems to be getting the approval of the public. Why did ‘Kejriwal Model’ work in the tribal belt? The demand for basic facilities has always been prominent in the tribal dominated districts located in the eastern part of Gujarat (like Bharuch, Valsad, Narmada and Tapi). ‘AAP’ made these basic needs the center of its politics: Promise of free electricity and water: These promises given on the lines of Punjab and Delhi have attracted the poor and middle class tribals. Education and Mohalla Clinic: ‘AAP’ used the condition of government schools and lack of health services in tribal areas as a shield and presented its model as a ‘reliable option’. Local issues: Water-forest-land rights and ‘PESA Act’ The promise of strict enforcement has established Kejriwal’s image among the tribals as a ‘helpful’ leader. Preparations to break into BJP’s ‘stronghold’ There has been a contest between Congress and BJP in the tribal areas of Gujarat for decades. But after the 2022 assembly elections, ‘AAP’ has strengthened its hold here. Benefit of Congress’s weakness: ‘AAP’ seems to be getting the direct benefit of fragmentation in the traditional tribal vote bank of Congress. BJP’s concern: BJP which talks about ‘tribal pride’ and ‘development’, is facing a tough challenge from this grassroots model of ‘AAP’. Analysts believe that AAP has cornered the BJP here on new claims of ‘facilities’ instead of the old claims of development. Public’s ‘stamp’ and upcoming signals: The huge crowd in the recent small elections and public meetings held at the local level is an indication that the tribal community is now ready to try a third option. Kejriwal’s ‘Delhi Model’, which was earlier considered limited to urban areas, has now reached the remote villages and hills of Gujarat.
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