WATCH | Monday Talk: ‘Grand alliance is need of the hour,’ says AAP MLA Alka Lamba

In less than six months, the country will be going to witness the Lok Sabha elections 2019. As the dates for the general polls are drawing near the Aam Aadami Party (AAP) has increased its political activities. Obviously, this time the AAP wants to give a tough fight as last time the young party won only 4 seats in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament.

To know more about what the party is planning, journalist Anurag Sason has an in-depth conversation with AAP MLA from Chandni Chowk, Alka Lamba.

Here are important excerpts from the exclusive interview:
(Scroll down to watch the complete interview)

Q1) As the Lok Sabha elections are drawing closer, what will be the AAP’s strategy for the general polls?

Alka Lamba: In all over India, the party is working on its organisation. In the last five years, we have worked on strengthening our organisational base. In 2019 general elections, we will contest on 100 LS seats. And presently we are also contesting the upcoming state elections.

Q2) How many seats AAP is planning to win this time?

Alka Lamba: Whenever someone fights election, the person fights to win it. We are trying to give an honest alternative, an honest candidate to the people, the one who has a vision. Now, the rest depends on the electorates.

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Q3) Are you willing to be a part of a grand alliance?

Alka Lamba: Grand alliance is the need of the hour. All opposition parties must come together to stop the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). People want to change this government which is trying to divide them in the name of religion, caste etc. This government has to go.

Q4) IT department recently raided several places linked to Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot. BJP is demanding his removal. What you have to say on this?

Alka Lamba: BJP is trying to disturb the Delhi government of the Aam Aadmi Party. Kailash Gahlot is just paying the price for his good works.

Attempts are being made to stop the good works by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. But people are standing with us and we are working for them.

Q5) Why is AAP insisting on the full statehood for Delhi?

Alka Lamba: Earlier, both the BJP and the Congress used to say in their election manifestos that when they will come to power, Delhi will be given full statehood. And now, when the AAP is in majority, they are denying the same. By not giving full statehood to Delhi, Centre is betraying people of the national capital.

Ten lakh people signed the letter for full statehood of Delhi. If the law is not passed, Delhi BJP MLAs have to give a reply to the people in the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

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Q6) Recently, a Delhi court dropped criminal proceedings against you in 2015 case. How did you feel after the verdict?

Ms. Alka Lamba: I’m feeling very relieved.

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW: Monday Talk: ‘Grand alliance is need of the hour,’ says AAP MLA Alka Lamba

About the author: Author is Deputy Editor in India TV and tweets at@AnuragSason

The interview is taken in the personal capacity and is exclusively for this website.