Will back independents with 'clean record' in Bihar polls: Swaraj Abhiyan

The group founded by Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan will campaign against the corrupt

Looking to be a part of the action in the run up to Bihar Assembly polls later this year, Swaraj Abhiyan, the group founded by expelled AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, has said it will campaign against the "corrupt and candidates with criminal background".

The outfit said it will back Independent candidates with "clean records" who may also be members of Swaraj Abhiyan.

"We are not contesting the Bihar polls as we are not a political party as of now. However, we will certainly remain active during the polls. Our state committee in Bihar is already preparing for it and will scan candidates.

"We will campaign against the corrupt, tainted and candidates with criminal background. Many candidates are notorious for their record and we will campaign against them," said a Swaraj Abhiyan leader.

Formed following the expulsion of Yadav and Bhushan, Swaraj Abhiyan has still not declared itself a political party, but has been raising issues, especially those related to farmers. Its members have also been undertaking a 'Jai Kisan Yatra' in a bid to connect with farmers.

Incidentally, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has announced its tactical support to JD(U) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The party has been maintaining that it will not contest the Bihar polls but will certainly campaign against BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to be the face of the saffron party in the election.

Swaraj Abhiyan, meanwhile, is to hold its national executive meeting on July 11 and 12 where state conveners and leaders will be invited to discuss Bihar polls.

"We won't be contesting the Bihar polls. But we will certainly back candidates with a clean record. Many of these Independent candidates could be members of Swaraj Abhiyan. Our main criteria is to back clean candidates," the leader added.

The party will also come up with an "ideal manifesto" for Bihar which will touch on issues plaguing the state.

"We are still discussing what this manifesto should be. Should it be for the entire state or for regions within Bihar. We will include pertinent questions in it. Say, for example, Kosi brings in a lot of flood in the state which leads to damage of crops. What will the new government do to help the farmers?

"There are many issues like this which will be incorporated in the manifesto," the leader added.