This refers to the news about two ministers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) turning vigilantes. There is no
denying the fact that the entire country is experiencing the effects of AAP’srise, including Kashmir where people do not generally show particular interest in other regional or national political parties, except the Congress. However, people in Kashmir now talk and discuss about the AAP; and why not? This new
party has appealed to the common man, whether it is the ending of “VIPculture”, the reduction of electricity tariffs and the supply of free water up to a certain amount. All of this has been appreciated and complimented. However, the recent actions of its Delhi ministers, particularly of its law minister, demonstrate that AAPseems to be too clever by half and seeks to play with popular emotions for political gains. This is very much against the interest and image of the party. The actions of its law minister are not only against the law but morally and ethically condemnable too. I would like to ask the law minister what would be his response if a crowd assembled outside his house, asking the police to raid it? What would he and his family face if the police break into his house on a mere suspicion? And what will be the response of the AAPif t he police do t his? What is worse is that the minister labelled people just because of their colour and geographical background. What these foreigners in India have had to go through is inhuman.
AAPhas galvanised the people with its slogan that everyone is an aam aadmi (common man) including those who are in positions of power in the government. But now the AAPis giving the same answers which other political parties give when their leaders are caught in wrongdoing.
Finally, the AAPmust bear in mind that Delhi is not the north-east of India, nor is it Jammu and Kashmir, where the security forces enjoy the impunity of draconian laws like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. Instead of bringing lawlessness to Delhi, they should work towards bringing the rule of law in these areas of India.
FEBRuary 1, 2014 vol xlix no 5 EPW Economic & PoliticalWeekly
