MCD bypoll: Swaraj Abhiyan short-lists candidates

Swaraj Abhiyan has short-listed four candidates out of which it will back one as an independent candidate in upcoming MCD by-poll in the Warizpur ward after an exhaustive selection process.
The organization, which plans to portray the by-poll as a model based on US primaries, will also arrange debates among the four candidates to help people choose their 'lok ummedwar' (people's candidate).
The organization has also roped in services of former Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh Noor Mohammad.
"Four people have showed their willingness and have been supported by people in the ward to be their candidate. Now there will be a detailed debate on how these candidates address the woes of their ward if they are elected," said Anupam, media coordinator for Swaraj Abhiyan.

The organization has short-listed Sujata Gupta, Amanjyot Kaur both related to Swaraj Abhiyan and social activists Pankaj Gupta and Ashok Sharma.
The organization claimed that more than 5000 people have enrolled in the process, who in turn will choose their candidate for the by-poll.

"We will put their biodata in public domain and these candidates will be scrutinised. The entire process will be monitored by Noor Mohammad, former Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh," he said.
"The last date for people to be a part of the process is April 20. There will be a debate on this day and people can vote for their candidate through SMS or IVR. On April 22, Swaraj Abhiyan will be announcing the candidate and back him/her for the by-poll," Anupam said.

"Our intention is to showcase the process, which is why we have focused on one ward," he said.
Swaraj Abhiyan, an organisation formed by Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, had announced its intentions of contesting MCD polls, but said it will back candidate in just one ward.
It is to be noted that Swaraj Abhiyan is still not a political party, but make an announcement in this regard in next 2-3 months.