I refer to editorial comment in the 4th April issue of your esteemed weekly. For the first time I do not share your opinion.
In 2013, when AAP was constituted, it promised to eradicate corruption and institute a new political system of governance where the common man could contribute in government. People felt relieved; finally a party had surfaced which encouraged open debate. Yogendra Yadav and his associates have raised pertinent questions about the accounts and internal democracy within AAP. When four donations (totalling 2 crores) from overseas were received by the Party through an Indian Registered Company – a name plate outside the door in a residential building, Kejriwal was asked by the reporters. His reply was that let the authorities can check and if they want “arrest me”. He has a tendency to operate without seeking consensus of his colleagues. The only one who works on his calling is Manish Sisodia – his close friend. Most of the 67 MLAs have been won over through patronage.
The meeting which removed Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan was stage-managed and no opportunity was given to the supporters of the Yogendra Group to speak and some were even denied entry to the meeting room.
Kejriwal has to understand that he is a symbol of the aspirations of the people who are demanding change. He therefore has to function in a democratic and tolerant way.
Andy Chande
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