As you all know, I joined AAP last year. From August, I have been part of some of the TN campaigns, by sheer luck. Let me give you an inside picture of what this party looks like: 1. The average volunteer in AAP is generally already an activist, working with some NGO; or having participated in IAC. Most of them have a clear knowledge of the law (particularly about public protests and their rights). A high percentage of them have used RTI for a matter of public interest. 2. These men and women, therefore, are not motivated particularly by any advantage in the party - other than the idea that we can fight together, instead of fighting alone. Some of them approach political power not as an end, but something that can help them change conditions. They are clear that we are in this because the other parties have become so criminalized and corrupt. 3. Therefore they are, in general, completely able to go back to activism. This is why talking about people leaving AAP is kind of pointless. Yes, they do, because nothing prevents them. It is not like leaving ADMK or DMK, where you may actually have consequences. In reality, most politcians only SWITCH parties in India. Very rarely do politicians LEAVE politics, because then you lose major power and income. In the case of AAP, this is possible - to leave politics. 4. Some of the most important discussions within the party are about our dual face as an NGO type activist collection vs an actual political party focused on capturing seats and power. This comes up repeatedly in discussions. I was present when a Kannagi Nagar volunteer wanted to know how to popularize the partys name. The advise was: a) Do not offer sarees, dhotis etc b) Do not help individuals specially, because they should solve their problems themselves c) Seek other means, such as investigating corruption, and peoples issues. This kind of debate is constant. And it is not clear when we transition from a NGO to a party. But the debate happens 5. Similarly, given the activist base, the party faces a formidable task of inner party democracy - for example something that other parties do simply - such as choosing a leader, is very difficult in AAP. This is because there is no motivator for the members. The job is a thankless one, without power or money. This is a very unusual situation for a political party, something similar probably to what the communists face in states like TN. Therefore, to ORGANIZE elections is a very difficult one, at this stage. To the credit of the party leadership, they have a structure known as Mission Vistaar to help provide a roadmap. But the fundamental problem remains - how do you identify, for example, an active volunteer vs a simple member? These are big problems for a small party. 6. People dismiss the party constantly. But as of now this is still a honest party, motivated by patriotism, and a desire for change. If the AAP disappears, there is NO alternative in India. There is not going to be another such movement for many years, and the result of such an abandonment by civil society is unthinkable.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 04:37:17 +0000
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