New Delhi:
Arvind Kejriwal, chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), today told NDTV that the dissent within the group proves that his party "has more inner democracy than any other." In the last few months, senior AAP leaders have quit the organisation, accusing Mr Kejriwal of a dictatorial style of management. "AAP is just one and a half years old, how can everything be hunky dory?" Mr Kejriwal said to NDTV. He ceded, "There are many shortcomings... I may have faults... but let me assure you of this: our intent is correct." Responding to recent scathing criticism by top AAP leader Shanti Bhushan, Mr Kejriwal said, "He has the right to criticize me. I respect him greatly. Leave alone criticism... he has the right even to slap me."
Following are the highlights of his interview to NDTV:- There is absolutely no possibility of the BJP forming the government in Delhi without horse-trading
- I don't know what arithmetic the Lieutenant Governor has that he has written to the President this letter seeking approval to invite the BJP to form the government
- They are questioning the authenticity? We're giving a copy of this CD to the Lieutenant Governor, to the police commissioner, to the President and everyone is free to do any kind of investigations on this
- BJP is afraid of elections because they are afraid they'll lose
- No article of Constitution allows a secret ballot - so no secret ballot is possible
- The AAP has more inner-party democracy than any party in this country
- It is a new party - everything is not hunky-dory. I may have many failings, I'm not God. But out intentions are clear
- Shanti Bhushanji is an elder, a guide for us... he has the right to slap me if he think we're wrong... we're working on issues raised by him