AAP's Gujarat promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Elections

The 2017 Gujarat elections were a disaster for the Aam Aadmi Party. It fought on 29 of the state's 182 constituencies, but failed to win anywhere. On top of this, the party secured less votes than the NOTA option.

Undeterred, the Aam Aadmi Party is betting big on Gujarat this time, with massive roadshows and huge rallies. So, how has the party changed its campaign strategy to overcome last time's disappointing performance? Here's a look at the Aam Aadmi Party's promises this time to the people of Gujarat, compared to the issues it raised 5 years ago.

Basic amenities are a core part of the Aam Aadmi Party's campaign. Last time, the party accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of presiding over power rates in Gujarat which were double that of Delhi. This time, the AAP is promising free electricity up to 300 units.

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The Patidar agitation dominated the political narrative in Gujarat in the 2017 elections. The Aam Aadmi Party had accused the BJP government of ordering shooting at peaceful Patidar protestors. It had also alleged rampant attacks on Dalits in the state. This time, the vulnerable groups getting attention are women and the unemployed. The AAP is saying it will give ₹1,000 every month to women aged 18 and above. It will also give ₹3,000 per month as unemployment allowance to those without jobs.

The Aam Aadmi Party also pitches its Delhi model in every state. This includes its educational reforms. In 2017, the party alleged that there was an education mafia operating in Gujarat, and this led to increased school fees every year. This time, the AAP is promising free and quality education in government schools in Gujarat.

Another facet of AAP's Delhi model is healthcare. In the last campaign, the party claimed that deadly fake liquor was flowing freely in Gujarat which is a dry state. The AAP said that this was not being stopped because BJP leaders were part of the liquor mafia. This time, the party is promising free and quality healthcare like in Delhi government hospitals.

With many considering the BJP a primarily urban party, the AAP is trying to woo Gujarat's farmers. In 2017, the Aam Aadmi Party claimed that struggling farmers in the state were committing suicide. Arvind Kejriwal had also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not hiking cotton rates to ₹2,000 as promised. This time, the Aam Aadmi Party is reportedly promising a farm loan waiver up to ₹2 lakhs, free water supply, and also ₹40/day for cow care.

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On the issue of jobs, the Aam Aadmi Party had claimed in 2017 that while youth were unemployed, traders were being intimidated, and businessmen being raided under the BJP. This year, the party is promising 10 lakh government jobs, and also restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.

On corruption, the Aam Aadmi Party had claimed last time that no government work is done in Gujarat without payment of bribes. This time, the party is promising zero tolerance for corruption.

In the 2017 elections, the Aam Aadmi Party appeared to have sensed its defeat. Neither Arvind Kejriwal, nor his deputy Manish Sisodia had campaigned in Gujarat.

The situation is quite different this time, with Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and other top leaders racing across the state to win people over. Will all this help the Aam Aadmi Party stage the biggest political upset of recent years, or even emerge as the main Opposition? The answer will be known on 8 December.