Phoolka holds first jansabha amid the aam aadmi of Sherpur

Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Lok Sabha candidate for Ludhiana HS Phoolka chose to hold his first Maha Jansabha at Sherpur. His jansabha on Sunday was focused on locals' grievances, such as non-availability of ration cards, voter cards, clean drinking water, health facilities, etc.

The Sherpur area is inhabited by a large migrant population who considerably add to the number of voters in Ludhiana constituency.

Listening to the residents' complaints, Phoolka criticised the civic authorities for ignoring basic amenities for so long.

Targeting the family politics in Punjab, Phoolka said parties like BJP-SAD and Congress believed in family hierarchy in politics. Thus, deserving candidates never really got the chance to serve people.

“The current political leaders have corrupted the entire government structure of Punjab, due to which government employees do not function without bribes and recommendations of such influential personalities. We want freedom from this corrupt system and such politicos,” Phoolka said.

He added, “The honest officers are generally discriminated against and corrupt officials are promoted to higher positions by such political leaders. The main objective of any political party should be to provide quality education in government schools, proficient facilities in government healthcare centres and hospitals and protection to the common man. Till now, no minister has thought about these issues.”

While expressing his concern for the people of Punjab, Phoolka said, “Due to lack of education, improper amenities in hospitals, and police busy in providing protection to the VIPs, society is in distress.”

Phoolka ensured the labour class, which was in huge attendance, that labour laws would be implemented efficiently and proficiently, if he won.

Kejriwal appeals for Phoolka
On the occasion, a recorded video message by Arvind Kejriwal was played. In the two-minute video, Kejriwal requested people to vote for the AAP candidate in Ludhiana, so that they could get a good MP, who would listen to their problems.
AAP a hit in labour class

Though they may not be aware about Phoolka's credentials, the residents of Sherpur turned up in huge numbers in support of Arvind Kejriwal.

Knowing that Phoolka was a representative of Kejriwal, the large migrant population working in factories or self-employed through rehri-pharis attended the rally in rapt attention.

A vegetable seller, Vijay Kumar, who proudly wore the AAP cap, announced himself as a soldier against corruption. He said, “I have four voters in my family, and I am sure all my neighbours would vote for AAP only, as the BJP and Congress want to ruin the nation.”

Another resident of 100 Futta Road, Ramesh Kumar said, “We want to give a clear candidate a chance. At least they came to us and listened to our problems.”

From the rally
Unlike rallies of other parties, this jansabha was held on a simple stage, with no chairs at all. Along with hundreds of people, who assembled to hear the AAP candidate, Phoolka himself sat on the floor

Besides the 'Main hoon aam aadmi' caps, party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal's mask remained popular, especially among children. The speakers at the sabha included all first-timers, including rickshaw-pullers and medical students. AAP volunteers also staged street plays and presented poems and patriotic songs, mostly targeted at corruption

Punjabi singer Jassi Jasraj belted out his hit numbers, leaving the gathering enthralled. Aam Aadmi Party's song was also sung in the jansabha.