AAP to ‘explain’ apology letters to volunteers at zonal meetings

NEW DELHI: Starting next month, the Aam Aadmi Party will give explanations to its volunteers at zonal meetings regarding party chief Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to apologise to his political opponents over his remarks that triggered a host of defamation cases.

A few weeks ago, chief minister and AAP national convener Kejriwal sent out letters of apology for past statements made by him and senior party leaders against several political opponents. The move, which was made on the suggestions of the party’s legal team in order to get rid of a slew of defamation cases against Kejriwal, was not taken well by many party workers.

“Many are not happy with the decision of the party to apologise to our political adversaries and we understand their sentiments. We will discuss this with them during the local area meetings and tell them the reasons behind doing this,” said AAP’S Delhi convener Gopal Rai.

The apology letters started with one to former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who filed a defamation suit against Kejriwal and senior party leaders Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan, for their comments alleging his involvement with drug cartels.

A similar letter was also sent out to Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Congress leader Kapil Sibal’s son Amit.

Rai said that unlike other political parties, the AAP was founded on the principles of transparency and the party believes in telling its volunteers about the decisions taken by its top brass.

“We have time and again said that the local workers are the ones that make this party... We are a democratic party and we value their suggestions and criticism,” he said.

After the apology letter to Majithia, a protest was launched by the party’s Punjab unit. Senior party functionaries in Delhi had also expressed their disapproval. Several volunteers said they felt “betrayed” for having backed the statements made by the CM.

“The only reason to have sent out these apology letters is to avoid any waste of time and energy. These cases were taking a lot of time. The hearings would require making court appearances and we would rather use this time for working for the people of this city. The workers will understand this stand,” said Rajesh Yadav, Vikas Puri zone head.