The internal crisis that threatens to consume the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as its top leader Arvind Kejriwal tries to find a firm footing in his role as chief minister of Delhi, may have been tackled for now. But in the long term Kejriwal will have to introspect more minutely on his administrative capacities, where he can learn to listen to other members’ point of view.
The AAP needs a more broad-based style of functioning, and the removal of stalwarts like Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan from the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) highlights its inability to institute a viable mechanism by virtue of which ideas and dissent can be articulated and addressed.
Once again a negative spotlight has been put on the party in its second attempt to administer Delhi. The AAP has reimposed the voter’s faith in them, despite Kejriwal walking out of office in his first innings. They cannot afford another controversy that may affect governance.
The entire affair of removing Yadav and Bhushan has been handled badly with Kejriwal distancing himself from the disciplinary process and offering to resign as convenor. It is, however, time to delegate soundly and allow senior colleagues more breathing space as they discharge their duties, given the rising speculation that the chief minister enjoys unbridled power.
Breakdown in communication between key party members is not a positive advertisement for any government. The AAP must remain anchored to its principles and ideals, as they resonate with the common man.
