YPOST

AAM AADMI PARTY- The New Fate Of Politics

Aam Aadmi Party, is an Indian political party which was formed on November 2012. The word ‘Aam Aadmi’ means common man. The AAP emerged from a huge anti-corruption movement that arose in 2011 under the leadership of social activist Anna Hazare. He did not support the establishment of the party, and there have been bitter recriminations among other leaders of the movement. But Arvind Kejriwal felt the need to have a direct political involvement in order to fight corruption. 

The new party created high hopes in millions of Indians who were tired of corruption and criminalisation of politics. Many signed up for membership of AAP yearning to see a better India. A notable feature of the anti-corruption movement is that it was supported by many among India’s educated middle classes, who are traditionally aloof from politics. Part of the reason for Anna Hazare’s refusal to support the AAP was that the movement was explicitly anti-political; its primary goal was the establishment of an unelected Jan lokpal, to keep politicians in line.

 

Nonetheless, the AAP is seen by many as a welcome alternative to the established parties. The AAP made a major breakthrough in state elections in Delhi in December, coming second between the BJP and Congress, with Kejriwal as chief minister. It just lasted for 48 days but in his short tenure, Kejriwal made an impression by continuing to behave more like a protester than an elected politician. An AAP strategist told India Today: “Evidence suggests we are strongest in the middle, but middle not in the sense in which the word middle class is a euphemism for the ruling class.” The new party has not hired any agency for its poll campaign, but has precisely used unconventional ways to reach out to people: through posters, videos, social networking sites and door-to-door campaigning. People of various professions ranging from chai wallahs, consultants, engineers to doctors, bankers and autowallahs are extremely excited about the prospect and the promise shown by the Aam Aadmi Party. Accordingly, the AAP’s first act in government in Delhi was to provide free water and subsided electricity to city households. One may or may not be a Kejriwal fan and his views on institutions. But, taking a wide view, India really needs decentralization of powers. The AAP don`t seem to believe in rule of law. Kejriwal may be too idealistic in his proposals but he has really managed to empower others to say that it cannot be 'business as usual.’

It is immature to predict AAP's fortunes in the Delhi assembly elections. But the new political party has indeed provided an opportunity for conversations. It's a nation which had lost all hopes of a 'change' happening, but those who will be voting for AAP will be hopeful of change. AAP member Kumar Vishwas has said that the Aam Aadmi Party is all set to decide the new fate of politics in the country as people have become fed up with the corrupted system of politics.

 Riya Santra

 M.Sc media P.G 1