AAP's imbroglio

Letter to Editor

AAP’s imbroglio

            The stunning victory of AAP in the recently concluded Delhi assembly elections is unparalled in the history of Indian elections where an infant party has achieved an impressive victory against heavy weights. AAP had also dispelled the popular myth that money power and muscle power are must for winning the elections. AAP's victory had generated great hope and aspirations among a vast majority of common men across the length and breadth of the country, not having any leaning to any political party. AAP also expected to revive the old glory of politics which was considered a saga of social service during the pre independence period and few years immediately after independence. Politics has of late become a synonym of all dirty tricks and a lucrative business for earning quick returns and people at large expected that AAP will be an exception. AAP's spectacular victory was expected to be the harbinger of a new era in Indian Politics, where good people will join politics which was hitherto considered a cesspool for them. This will herald the beginning of the eradication of the corrupt, dishonest, unprincipled, selfish and crook politicians and rise of honest and principled politicians. If these expectations are fulfilled, there is not an iota of doubt that India will witness phenomenal progress both materially and morally and will become one of the top nations of the world say within a decade. The largest democracy of the country will also become the greatest democracy of the world.

            All these high expectations, aspirations and dreams of the “Aam Aadmi” are slowly and steadily getting evaporated as infighting has already started in AAP. There were complaints of lack of transparency and internal democracy in AAP earlier also. But when founder members like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav complains about it there will be definitely some element of truth. There will be no smoke without fire. The way Arvind Kejriwal is getting rid of ‘inconvenient’ persons is a dangerous trend. Does he want that all the party members should be his sycophants and flatterers and behave like ‘His Master’s Voice’?  Arvind Kejriwal should understand that difference of opinion is not dissent. Kejriwal wanted to concentrate in Delhi whereas Yogendra Yadav wants to expand the wings of AAP to other parts of the country. There is nothing wrong in the perception of both. Government and party should be separate. Being the Chief Minister of Delhi it is Kejriwal’s duty to provide good governance where as Yogendra Yadav being a party functionary can expand the party. Logically speaking, ministers should not spend much time on party activities as they are paid from the public exchequer. Arvind Kejriwal reported to have threatened to quit as party’s convener if Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan remained in its Political affairs Committee.  It is pertinent to point out that Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav did not contest the election and also did not demand any Government post which proves that unlike many others, they are not power hungry politicians. Kejriwal’s way of functioning by intimidation, coercion, undue influence, threatening etc is unbecoming of the status of a statesman. Despite the fact that Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan volunteered to step down, a proposal was introduced to remove them which smacks of ulterior motive to humiliate them. Problems start when politicians think party as their personal property. Annihilation of outspoken party men is not a panacea for the problems afflicting AAP. AK should appreciate that the gap between hero and zero is very thin and today’s hero will become tomorrow’s zero. If Kejriwal works like an autocrat and develop coterie culture, there will be hardly any difference between AAP and other parties. AAP should continue to remain as the party of the common man and not as “All Arvind’s Party”. Kejriwal who advised his supporters not to become arrogant of the amazing victory should practice what he preaches. Otherwise Kejriwal & Co will meet its waterloo in the not too distant future. A party which has come up with great expectations and aspirations should not meet with a tragic end which will be suicidal and detrimental to the democratic edifice of the nation. Instead of adopting a confrontationist attitude Kejriwal should discuss matters with all concerned and settle the vexed problems, before it takes alarming proportions.   Let us hope that wiser counsel will prevail and impasse in the party will end soon.

E M Adithyan

  7^th March2015

Elangalloor Mana

Edapal-679576

Kerala