Now Punjab can call on this number to select their CM candidate: Arvind Kejriwal

Punjab : Aam Aadmi Party has churned out an unusual solution to decide the name of Chief Ministerial candidate from their party for upcoming Punjab Elections. The party has asked voters to dial 7074870748 to name their choice.

Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that he will announce the name of the Chief Ministerial candidate on January 17, based on the result of tele-voting by the people.

"This is the first time a party is letting the public choose their own Chief Minister," he said, AAP's Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann by his side.

"The people of Punjab can call, WhatsApp or SMS on 7074870748 and name their choice. The phone number will be open till 5 PM on Jan 17. We will go through the responses and based on the feedback, AAP will select its Chief Minister candidate," Mr Kejriwal told reporters.

Asked about Bhagwant Mann's name as the next CM of Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal said: "Bhagwant Mann is very dear to me. He is my chhota bhai (younger brother). He is the biggest leader of AAP. I was also saying he should be the Chief Minister candidate. But then he said no...the people must decide."

On whether he was among the options before voters, Kejriwal said: "I am not in the race."