BackAAP rebels to launch political party on 2 October
Swaraj Abhiyan, an outfit started by former AAP members Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, unveils its political plans at national convention
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New Delhi: Swaraj Abhiyan is all set to form a political party after taking up farmers’ issues and trying their hand as a non-electoral political organization.
The organization, started by former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members including Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, took the decision at their national convention held on Sunday. The organization plans to launch a party by 2 October.
“We were never secretive about going political. A decision to launch a political party was taken with nearly 93% of the delegates at the convention overwhelmingly supporting it," founding member Yogendra Yadav said after the convention.
He added, “Swaraj Abhiyan will continue to exist even after the new political party is launched. The two will function independently."
The move comes ahead of Punjab assembly polls next year. Swaraj Abhiyan has set up their organisational structure in Delhi and had even decided to back an independent candidate in Punjab by-polls.
“We should fight elections when we have done enough groundwork, be visible so that people can identify with us. We should contest polls only when we think we can win," Prahant Bhushan said.
Mint in January had reported that the organisation is set to launch a political party ahead of Punjab polls.
“Swaraj Abhiyan pledged that it will launch a political party by 2 October and a six-member committee will work in that direction. As per its commitment to internal democracy, Swaraj Abhiyan has constituted elected committees in 114 districts and seven states," Swaraj Abhiyan said.
The party has also announced a three-member Lokpal panel.
“To ensure transparency in its affairs, Swaraj Abhiyan has voluntarily kept itself under RTI and has also appointed an Information Officer," it added.
Leaders including Bhushan and Yadav were removed from the AAP last year after they alleged that the party lacked transparency.
Former AAP member and a founding member of Swaraj Abhiyan, Anand Kumar has been re-elected as the national president. The party has also elected vice-presidents from four states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.
In May last year, Swaraj Abhiyaan, the breakaway movement funded by the AAP rebels, elected a national working committee, adopted an ad-hoc constitution and decided to undertake a “jai kisaan movement" to fight for farmers’ rights. The movement for farmers rights was launched in Punjab.
PTI contributed to this story.
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