BackAAP factions set for fresh face-off
Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan form non-political movement Swaraj Andolan; AAP panel may meet on Wednesday to discuss development
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A fresh showdown loomed between the two factions of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after rebels led by Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan on Tuesday formed a new grass-roots non-political movement called Swaraj Andolan.
The decision was taken at the end of a day-long meeting of the rebel camp. Most supporters decided not to leave the party that rules Delhi, but to form a grass-roots movement that will work for Swaraj within the party. The first phase of the movement will be taken up for six months, after which it could take the shape of a political party.
“This programme will have four roles. It will agitate by taking up people’s issues. It will organize Swaraj dialogue across the country, will make the strategy for the country’s future and will train workers," Yadav told reporters after the meeting.
The political affairs committee (PAC), the highest decision-making body of the party, is likely to meet on Wednesday to discuss the development. “Party is aware of the matter. The highest decision-making body will get together very soon and decide on the course of action. One thing is very clear. They want to break the party and chart their own course," said Ashutosh, convener of the AAP’s Delhi unit.
The party’s national council on 28 March had authorized PAC to take disciplinary action against any member who issues statements against the party line and takes decisions that tarnish the party’s image.
Addressing around 2,000 supporters and volunteers at the meeting, Yadav said, “This country needs 5,000 political saints to change politics. Today is the day when you can decide to spend time building this alternative politics. We will not leave the party, but continue the struggle."
Bhushan echoed Yadav’s views. “The day we feel our movement has taken shape and lived up to the ideals that we wish for it to obtain, we convert it into a party," he said. “The kind of support I am seeing today, I am sure that the wish we have will take shape one day."
Bhushan and Yadav raised questions on the party’s functioning, its alleged lack of transparency and internal democracy. There were allegations made against them of boycotting the Delhi elections. The two were removed from both PAC and the national executive of the AAP, along with founding members Ajit Jha and Anand Kumar.
“This new movement will put pressure on the Delhi government. It will have a closeness to voice of people. It is a very interesting development in Indian politics. In a sense, the vigilance on AAP will increase," said Manisha Priyam, a Delhi-based political analyst. The emergence of a faction may be too early for such a young party, Priyam said.
Member of the Delhi legislative assembly Pankaj Pushkar attended the meeting along with recently ousted members Rakesh Sinha and Vishal Sharma. Former navy chief and a former member of the AAP’s internal Lokpal L. Ramdas, and Dharamvir Gandhi, member of Parliament from Patiala, sent messages of support.
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