DIFFERENT STROKES
HT takes a look at some crucial issues on which there has been divergence of opinions in AAP:
FDI, other economic policies: AAP government’s overturning of the previous Sheila Dikshit government allowing global chains to set up super stores in Delhi has pitted it against some of its own prominent members like V Balakrishnan and Meera Sanyal who have been champions of free trade. AAP’s decision to waive power bills and supply free water to Delhi residents should also be a red rag to the corporate leaders who have joined the new party. Maoism: With Binayak Sen, a staunch critic of the state’s approach to Maoists, becoming a member of AAP’s executive committee, the party’s stand on Maoism is bound to be against the larger middle class sentiment which is for decisive action against the underground movement. Communalism, anti-minority, anti-gay voices: AAP leader Kumar Vishwas’s comments against minorities and gay rights have troubled AAP member, activist and dancer Mallika Sarabhai. “I just saw videos where Vishwas is saying things that are anti-minority and anti-gay. I have asked him whether these are his real views or has he just said these things because he is paid for a performance,” she told a channel. In reply Vishwas said he didn’t need to answer to everybody.
Referendum in Kashmir: Prashant Bhushan’s comment about referendum in Kashmir on the army presence created a furore, forcing AAP to distance itself from his comment. In an interview to a TV channel, Bhushan had said people should be asked whether they want the army to handle internal security in Kashmir. AAP chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had rubbished Bhushan’s comment, saying there was no question of holding any referendum.
Reservation: AAP’s stand on reservation for economically weaker segments of society is another vexing issue that runs against popular middle class sentiments. Its leader, Yogendra Yadav, first declared the party’s support for a quota for the weaker sections in state government jobs and education and then went on to say that he had been misquoted. Yadav also said most seats in Delhi colleges should be reserved for residents of the national capital.