FILE photo: AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav (left) and Manish Sisodia
Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), wracked with dissensions since its disastrous debut in the Lok Sabha elections, in which it could secure just four seats, today tried to present a picture of unity after a meeting of its top leaders this evening.
"The party is united. In a democratic party, there are problems because of differences in opinion," said Sanjay Singh at a meeting of AAP's national executive at senior lawyer and party leader Prashant Bhushan's residence.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of a serious bickering among its most senior leaders. This morning, Manish Sisodia, a founder member of the AAP, shot off a letter to party colleague Yogendra Yadav, accusing him of targeting AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and making internal matters public.
The letter, written in response to an email sent by Mr Yadav to AAP leaders which has since become public, saw Mr Sisodia contending, "Your (Yadav) broad allegations are Arvind (Kejriwal) does not listen to the suggestions of the PAC (Political Affairs Committee). I am surprised reading your email because till the time Arvind agreed with you, he was democratic."
(Read)In his e-mail, Mr Yadav had claimed, "Arvind is turning into a personality cult that can damage an organisation and the leader himself".
"Any new party which is just formed, there are bound to be problems," argued Mr Bhushan after today's meeting, adding, "All the issues being raised are been discussed, including the letter."
"We discussed Shazia Ilmi's resignation. We would be happy if she returns," he added.
Ms Ilmi, one of the most prominent faces of the party, had quit on May 24, arguing that there was "a lack of inner democracy in a party that continuously talks about Swaraj (self-rule)." Captain GR Gopinath, one of the pioneers of low-cost airlines in the country, followed suit on the same day.
(Double Blow to AAP, Shazia Ilmi and Captain Gopinath Quit Party)