Any political party with lofty ideals but without the support of the masses cannot make an impact (“The dream and the reality of AAP”, November 29). A survey of the parties thriving in Indian politics shows that it is only over a period of time, and with concerted efforts, that a party can emerge as a force to reckon with. There were many flaws in AAP’s functioning. To begin with, it was in a hurry to make an impact. Any new idea takes time to resonate with the electorate. Second, Anna Hazare was considered by many as the guiding force and when he was sidelined, it weakened the party considerably. Third, Indians are steadfastly corrupt in getting things done and did not believe AAP when it promised governance without corruption. Fourth, AAP did not have politically popular leaders at the regional level. Any deliberation on AAP’s debacle must address these practical aspects first before taking up the nuances.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
When Arvind Kejriwal, a trusted lieutenant of a Gandhian, Anna Hazare, chose to disregard his mentor’s advice to steer clear of politics and plunged headlong into mainstream politics by floating his own party, sceptics wondered whether the experiment would meet with success. Five years down the line, the AAP balance sheet reveals that while its pan-India hopes have crashed in toto, it has been able to cling on to power in Delhi, where it stunned political pundits by cruising to a mammoth victory. However, the brash nature of the party’s main architect, the forced exit of two members who constituted the party’s brain trust, and the unholy mess in which many of its leaders including cabinet ministers found themselves enmeshed have all contributed to AAP turning into just another political outfit. Its rule in the NCR too has been largely characterised by regular run-ins with the Lieutenant Governor. AAP’s future is hardly promising and it could end up as a failed experiment.
C.V. Aravind,
Bengaluru