Delhi polls 2015: AAP takes out cycle rallies to woo voters

NEW DELHI: In a novel method to reach out to the young voters, AAP volunteers are taking out cycle rallies all over the city carrying placards and banners showcasing the party's specific promises to the youth.

As the name suggests, the ' Cycle cum Cycle rickshaw campaign', involves the use of cycles hired from BRT stands and also rickshaws plying around the city.

"The placards carry party promises such as drugs free Delhi, free wifi, incubation centres for young entrepreneurs, education loans and setting up of 20 new colleges," said Vansh Saluja, an AAP volunteer.

The cycle rent comes to around Rs 10 for every three hours. However, when hired in bulk, the volunteers get some discount and pay around Rs 150-200.

A brain child of the youth and the womens' wing of the party, the campaign has received good response in various constituencies of Delhi like Kasturba Nagar, New Delhi, R K Puram, Kalkaji etc.

The rallies require permission from the Election Commission which has to be obtained at least 48 hours beforehand.

"Before the elections were announced, these were easy to conduct but now we need permission from the Election Commission for such rallies and campaign," added Vansh.

The cycle rickshaws, on the other hand, have volunteers sitting with placards announcing the policies. While some rickshaw drivers offer voluntary services, others charge a nominal amount, he said.

The AAP plans to hold more such rallies in the last leg of the campaigning so as to spread their message through such innovative ideas.