Patch-up bid continues in AAP amid claims, counter-claims
FRESH MOVE Yadav, Bhushan hint they don’t mind leaving key posts, but reiterate transparency demands
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, in the middle of a bitter infighting, have indicated that they would not mind letting go of party posts that they are holding if that could help paper over the cracks, sources revealed to HT on Wednesday.
In their letter to party chief Arvind Kejriwal, the two founding members have made the offer, while reiterating their demands for transparency, more autonomy to state units, better volunteer engagement, action for lapses, and regularisation of various party panels.
Though, Yadav and Bhushan have denied having written any such letter, party sources said otherwise. “AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Ashutosh, Ashish Khetan on Tuesday held a four-hour meeting with Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha over the letter. Kumar and Jha have been asked to represent the dissenting duo,” said a source.
“It’s a constructive suggestion. It’s a spirit of generosity and sincerity. It’s not a threat,” the source said. Quitting party posts does not mean leaving the party. The two have already been removed from the all-powerful political affairs committee (PAC).
They are still part of two wider bodies: national executive and national council. Additionally, Bhushan is also part of AAP’s disciplinary committee. Yadav is also the chief spokesperson of the party.
The meeting took place right before the party’s political affairs committee (PAC) on Tuesday night announced that the party would go national and expand its base, a key demand of Yadav that virtually split the party and pitted him and senior colleague Prashant Bhushan against the Kejriwal camp.
A month after sweeping to power in Delhi, AAP’s senior leaders have been fighting a very public and ugly war. Leaked letters, vitriolic tweets and slighting of Yadav and Bhushan for allegedly working against the party in Delhi elections and challenging Kejriwal’s leadership has rattled the party.
PAC leaders went into a huddle at Kejriwal’s house in Ghaziabad on Tuesday, a day after four senior party leaders reached out to Yadav late on Monday night. Kejriwal had asked Ashutosh, Kumar Vishwas, Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan to reach out to Yadav and Bhushan.
The two leaders have in their letter also reiterated their demand that allegations of liquor recovery against an AAP candidate must be referred to the internal Lokpal. They also said PAC should be reconstituted with better regional and gender representation.
AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Ashutosh said talks were on in a positive direction.
“If there is anything concrete, we would let you know,” they told reporters. Yogendra Yadav @AapYogendra: Welcome PAC’s statement to expand the organisation nationally & to consider contesting elections outside Delhi. Step in the right direction... Decision to involve volunteers in party’s decision-making recognizes Swaraj within the party. Looking forward to detailed blueprint...
Sanjay Singh @SanjayAzadSIn: AAP will expand, colleagues will get responsibilities in states, volunteers will have a role in decision-making