(Ashutosh joined the Aam Aadmi Party in January 2014. The former journalist took on former Union minister Kapil Sibal and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in the national election from Chandni Chowk in Delhi.)
When a senior member of the party like Shanti Bhushan offers an assessment, the party has to reflect on that; and if his statement has merit, it should be thought about, and if it does not, then the party should move on without showing any disrespect to him. At AAP, a party which has deep democratic traditions, every member has the right to speak their mind in a courteous manner.
A party which does not allow free flow of ideas and does not provide a platform for the independent expression of one's inner self - such a party can't claim to be democratic; such a party suffers from malaise and exemplifies signs of dictatorship. AAP feels proud that it does not have any of these weaknesses and it takes Shanti Bhushan's views in this context.
Shanti Bhushan has raised three points which needs elaboration. He has said that Kiran Bedi is an excellent candidate for Chief Minister and at par with Kejriwal. This statement needs to be contextualized. After all, AAP had the same opinion - remember Arvind proposed she be AAP's Chief Ministerial candidate during the last assembly elections, but she refused. We thought that she might have an aversion to politics and we respected her stand. We did not put pressure on her. But it came as bolt from the blue when a week ago it was announced that she was joining BJP and would be projected as its CM candidate. Were we wrong in our assessment about her last year? This means that she had no distaste for politics. Last year, perhaps she carefully weighed pros and cons, thought that AAP had no chance and decided why waste time on a failed opportunity. It is crystal clear now that her refusal was not an ideological answer but a well-calculated decision. Perhaps when the BJP approached her, she thought she has a chance now and can become CM.
Shanti Bhushan has commented on ticket distribution, alleging it has been mishandled. Let me explain. AAP is unique. It has evolved a system in which to become a candidate, the person has to go through an elaborate layer of filters. And even after being selected, if there is any complaint, then it is referred to the Complaints Committee which holds a court, listens the arguments and the person concerned has to defend and explain his/her position. If the candidate emerges clean, he/she is cleared of all charges and continues with the party ticket. The decision of the Complaints Committee can be challenged with the party Lokpal or omubdsman, whose decision is binding. This year, six candidates were challenged. The Lokpal was helped by a committee of seven members. Two of the six could not pass the rigors of the test and the party was advised to drop them. Which party has such a rigorous process of scrutiny and which party cuts tickets at the last minute in this way? If all political parties follow AAP, then the Indian political system can get rid of criminals. Shanti ji has also objected to some contestants, but if Lokpal did not find any merit in his complaints, then the party can't be faulted.
Shanti Bhushan has raised the issue of leadership of the party. He apparently meant that Arvind as National Convener has failed. That is very subjective. The party has full faith in Arvind's leadership. The National Executive has passed a unanimous resolution empowering him to take any decision regarding the Delhi elections -but the calls must be endorsed by the Political Affairs Committee (the highest decision-making body in day-to-day affairs). That he has been doing. Arvind enjoys overwhelming support in the party. He is the only mass leader who can galvanize volunteers and has a magnetic connect with the people. Till the party backs him, he is the top leader.
Shanti ji is an elder statesman. He has a very important role in the party. We have weighted his suggestions, reflected upon them and moved on. We are in the battle field. Together we will celebrate on the tenth of February!
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