AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said that his party does not have enough money to fight elections.
Arvind Kejriwal has said that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been governing Delhi for over a year, does not have money to fight elections.
"It would look odd but it is true that despite a one-and-half year of governance in Delhi, AAP does not have money to fight election. I can show you my bank account, even the party does not have money," Mr Kejriwal said at a meeting in Goa on Sunday.
He was speaking to a group of AAP members in the popular holiday state where the party is prepping for a debut in elections next year.
"When we contested in Delhi, it is the people who fought the election. AAP is a platform for everyone to fight for their better future," Mr Kejriwal said, explaining that in Goa too, his party would bank on the support of local people.
The 47-year-old AAP chief has been visiting Goa with increasing frequency and has also tasked two of his ministers with overseeing the party's campaign.
Stating that his visits to Goa are to "understand the issues", he promised the tiny seaside state a complete change in political culture.
"Goans will govern in Goa. That is why even the (poll) manifesto is being drafted by Goans. I will not dictate the manifesto, the people of Goa will decide," he said.
Asked about the alleged sale of narcotics in Goa, Mr Kejriwal replied: "If the state government wants, the drugs can stop in Goa in next one hour."
The nexus between drug pushers, policemen and politicians has kept the drug trade alive, he said, adding: "Money is being paid to politicians through policemen."
AAP started governing Delhi last year after winning 67 of 70 constituencies in elections. The party is now revving up its campaign in other states due for elections next year, like Gujarat, Goa and Punjab.