AAP targets all 68 Himachal seats, opens Dharamshala office

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday inaugurated its district office in Dharamshala as it stepped up preparations for the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, announcing plans to contest all 68 seats.

Party state incharge Rituraj Govind Jha, a former MLA, said the ongoing membership drive had brought more than 20,000 new members into the party. He said national convenor Arvind Kejriwal would visit the state next month and outline the party’s election strategy at a press conference.

Jha claimed around 30 to 35 prominent leaders were interested in joining AAP, adding that five to seven could join next month. The party would focus on strengthening its booth-level organisation and building leadership in every Assembly constituency, he added.

Targeting the Congress and the BJP, Jha said people were dissatisfied with both parties and seeking an alternative. He accused the Congress government of failing to fulfil its electoral guarantees, including a monthly payment of Rs 1,500 to women, jobs for young people and 300 units of free electricity.

Claiming that AAP had delivered more than promised in Punjab, Jha said people in Himachal Pradesh wanted similar development. The party already had a state office in Shimla, while the Dharamshala facility was intended to strengthen its presence in the Kangra region, he added.

On the Lawrence Bishnoi issue, Jha criticised the Centre, questioning the arrangements under which Bishnoi was lodged in Sabarmati jail and the restrictions on taking him out for questioning. He alleged that criminal activities continued in Bishnoi’s name despite his being in custody and claimed he was receiving special facilities.

Jha also claimed the Punjab Police had taken action against nine of the state’s top 10 criminals, while questions remained over the Bishnoi case. He did not provide further details to substantiate the claims.