Kejriwal’s party named- Aam Admi Party

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 24, 2012 : Arvind Kejriwal’s party was today named ’Aam Admi Party’ at a meeting of its founder members here during which the Constitution for the organisation was also adopted.

 

The meeting of around 300 founder members was held at Constitution Club here during which Kejriwal proposed the name of the party which was accepted by other members, sources said.

The Constitution of the party was also adopted at the meeting. It was proposed by Mayank Gandhi and seconded by Chandramohan, they said. The formation of the party came after a bitter split with Anna Hazare over the question of the anti-corruption movement taking a political plunge as Kejriwal desired.

During the August fast, Hazare and Kejriwal ended the agitation saying they will work for providing a political alternative for the country to fight both Congress and BJP. However, both Hazare and Kejriwal announced parting of ways on September 19 following differences over forming a party with the former sticking to his position that the movement should remain apolitical.

On October two, Kejriwal announced the formation of the party saying its official launch will be on November 26, the day Constitution was adopted in 1949. Ahead of the meeting, Kejriwal said today that common men, women, children are forming their party.

"They are not politicians. They are fed up of politicians. They are the people who are fed up of corruption and price rise. This is why the common man has decided to challenge them. Now the common man will sit in Parliament. "Party’s vision is Swaraj. People should get the ’raj’. That vision will be finalised. 25-30 issues will be discussed which all issues need to be taken first by the party. Committees will be formed. They will make drafts in four-five months. There will discussions through the country," he said.

Activist Yogendra Yadav said that the party will have provisions against domination by one family. The meeting also saw some disagreement among a section of workers who were not allowed to attend it. A group from Tamil Nadu was seen arguing with a party coordinator on why they were not accommodated.

A member of the Tamil Nadu group said they were not against the party but their problem was with the way in which delegates from the state were selected. "There is an issue. We have objection to the manner in which people were selected for the meeting," the member said.

A group from West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar also voiced their disapproval about the way in which delegates were selected. "They talk about change and transparency. But where is transparency? When we enquired about the meeting, we were told by West Delhi coordinator that there is no such meeting. How did they select delegates for the meeting. They selected their cronies," said supporters Mohan Aggarwal and Sudhir Singh.

Aam aadmi synonymous with Congress

The Congress, not to be outdone, said that the term ’aam aadmi’ has been synonymous with the Indian National Congress since 1885. Information and Broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said, "Aam aadmi is synonymous with the Congress Party since 1885. Nobody can hijack the intrinsic relationship between the Congress and the aam aadmi."

Anna assures support

Responding to a query on Aam Aadmi Party, Kejriwal’s mentor Anna Hazare said that he would most certainly support the party’s candidates if they were good. "We shall inquire into the background of the candidates and then support them if they are really good."

The anti-corruption crusader was quick to add that he and his team will not campaign for AAP but will support the right candidates.

 

Will ensure there is no family rule in Aam Aadmi Party, says Arvind Kejriwal


"Aam aadmi (common man) will now contest elections, aam aadmi will vote and aam aadmi sit in Parliament. This party will change the way politics and political parties function in the country...Our party will challenge existing parties...Our vision is to bring Swaraj (self-rule) in this country," said Mr Kejriwal at a press conference where he formally declared the name of the party and shared details of its constitution as also plans for the future.

At today’s meeting, a national council of the Aam Aadmi party was set up and the party constitution was formally adopted. The council next elected 23 members for a 30-member national executive which will be the party’s highest decision-making body. Mr Kejriwal said the remaining seats would be filled soon.

Significantly, the party will not have a President, Vice President or General Secretary, but will only have a national convenor who will be elected by the national executive. The reason, Mr Kejriwal said, is the aam aadmi again, who forms the core of his party. "Will ensure there is no family rule in my party," said the rookie politician, in a veiled dig at the Congress. The idea, it was decided at the meeting today, was to do away with a "high command style of functioning" and "hierarchical structures".