AAP – From a Common Man’s Party, to Just Another Common Party

The distinction between ‘political alternative’ and ‘alternate-politics’ should be reflected by deeds and not words.

(Photo: The Quint)

Dear Arvind,

Before getting into elaborate arguments, I need to specify my locus standi to present the case. The opening line of Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) website remarks, “This is your fight”, which bestows upon me both the right along with a duty to fight, which I am discharging by raising questions and speaking my heart.

For many of us, the AAP was more than a political entity, it was a phenomenon. We were tired of the dynastic, corrupt status quo and the nepotistic, criminal and communal nature of Indian politics. AAP’s birth was like a breath of fresh air in this backdrop.

Owing to its emergence from a non violent and non partisan pan-India movement, we shared immense pride, conviction and satisfaction in propagating the objectives of the party.

We recall when people asked questions related to the vision and core motto of the party and we used to answer by saying, “Removal of all the institutional hurdles in the progress of us, ‘the aam admi’ is the motto and objective of the party.”

The magnitude of the crowd at the Ram Lila Maidan during the oath taking ceremony is a testimony to the public belief that Gandhian politics of idealism can be real. Even those who disliked the party and suspected its agenda, could not ignore it due to its peculiar appeal.

However, since its inception, the trajectory of AAP has not been as per its self-proclaimed expectations and yardsticks. The recent controversy pertaining to the party’s nomination to Rajya Sabha is a shining example of that.

AAP is no more a common man’s party, it is rather a common party that offers no alternative. In response to some cliché arguments put forward by the party spokesperson in media, it becomes imperative to present a few disclaimers.

We agree that it’s an internal party matter and that other political parties do lack the transparency in their nominations, but AAP presents itself to be a party with ‘alternate-politics’ on cards. The distinction between ‘political alternative’ and ‘alternate-politics’ should be reflected by deeds and not by words.

Where Has Swaraj Disappeared?

We accept that the decision by AAP’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) has to be abided by the party workers, but what about ‘democracy with a bottom-up approach’?

In a largely volunteer-driven party, where has Swaraj disappeared, despite the party asserting, “Satta neeche se upar aayegi”? What happened to ‘democracy at the grassroots’ and the ‘idea of referendum’ during the ticket distribution?

We hesitatingly concede that aam aadmi can be represented by people from wealthy class and even outsiders can be nominated by the party for esteemed platforms, but what about the necessary checks, ideological commitments, time tested integrity and accountability.

Sir, what happened in recent Punjab and MCD elections was not surprising. Those who were working on the ground had the fair idea of the outcomes since there was huge dissatisfaction among the volunteers and cadres.

Lack of transparency and internal democracy paved the way for arbitrary distribution of tickets. The organisation, especially the dedicated wings, was largely ignored. Even the historic Ramlila Maidan was conspicuously vacant at the party’s five-year celebration.

Promises Forgotten and Ignored

One of the party’s fundamental objectives argues that wherever inequality persists and communities are marginalised, every effort should be made to create a level playing field. Those who have less in life must have more in law.

But then why is it that there is only one woman out of nine members in the PAC? Isn’t the condition of women an aspect of the top leadership’s commitment towards inclusiveness? At the same time, there is no women minister in the Delhi government.

Moreover, only nine women were given tickets out of 112 candidates in Punjab elections. Even in MCD elections, seven out of 134 women were given tickets in unreserved constituencies.

Why The One-Man Show?

In a video that you often share, you ask volunteers who aspire for tickets to quit the party. We need to question the veracity of idealism and realism portrayed by this proposition.

Why sacrifices from the volunteers only, why not from the top leadership? The volunteers are restricted to being flag bearers and someone just drops in from a helicopter and is offered the ticket.

Even when your critics praise your ‘public acknowledgment of mistakes’, why is AAP diverting towards a Bhakt culture, which is no different from the one we see at top the top leadership of the BJP and Congress.

The ‘one-man showmanship’ is destroying AAP. How helpless were the party spokespersons on news channels after the Rajya Sabha nominations. At least spare your supporters and committed volunteers so that they can defend the party at tea stalls and dining tables, spare them from feeling like “na ghar ka na ghaat ka”.

As a party born out of a historic anti-corruption movement, AAP should hold itself to the highest standards of probity and integrity. AAP should revamp and shall aim to restore power to the people, so as to realise the promise of Swaraj.

In these times of hardships, a total revamp is needed and that should begin with your leadership style, Mr Kejriwal.

Your well wisher.

(The writer is a lawyer and runs a non-profit organisation named BDLAAAW (Buddies for Legal Aid and Awareness). He was closely associated with the India Against Corruption movement and can be reached @Anmolam88888.)

(This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)