RAIPUR,INDIA: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections in Chhattisgarh at a press conference held at its state office in Panchsheel Nagar, Raipur on Thursday.

State General Secretary Wadud Alam stated that the initial list includes candidates for Raipur Municipal Corporation, Durg Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur Municipal Corporation, Korba Municipal Corporation, and Janjgir Champa. Candidates for municipal councils and nagar panchayats were also announced. Alam indicated that the second list would follow shortly.

Highlighting the issues faced by the public, Alam criticized the state of basic amenities under the current administration. "People are struggling for essentials like clean drinking water even after 75 years of independence. Corruption is so rampant that obtaining a death certificate involves repeated visits to the corporation offices," he said. Alam emphasized that AAP's governance in Delhi and Punjab serves as a model of transparency and efficiency.

Raipur Lok Sabha Speaker Azim Khan pointed out the party's achievements in Delhi, such as doorstep delivery of services, and pledged to implement similar measures in Chhattisgarh. He noted that AAP would prioritize addressing common issues like roads, drainage, electricity, water, and the maintenance of municipal schools and health departments. Specific local challenges will also be addressed based on public demands.

Khan further added that AAP is committed to promoting health, education, cleanliness, and efficient water management in municipal wards. The selected candidates were described as being chosen based on public demand, reflecting the party's focus on grassroots involvement.

The AAP expressed confidence in its ability to bring change to Chhattisgarh’s municipal governance, positioning itself as an alternative to the BJP and Congress, which it accused of misusing public funds and failing to address citizens' concerns effectively.