The Aam Aadmi Party, or AAP, is a political party founded by Arvind Kejriwal in 2012. It was born out of a civil society movement — Indian Against Corruption — that received massive popular support in 2011-12 after public anger over corruption charges on the then Congress-led UPA government.
It won its first elections in Delhi in 2013, and came to power with outside support from the Congress. But the government lasted only 49 days as Kejriwal resigned since he was unable to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly. The AAP returned to power in 2015, when fresh elections were held, and swept the Delhi elections winning 67 of 70 seats. The first few issues tackled by AAP were the fraudulent inflation of water and electricity bills, promising the people of Delhi certain free units of electricity.
The AAP government in Delhi has been in a tussle with the BJP-ruled central government and the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over the division of powers. Kejriwal and several AAP leaders and ministers face corruption charges related to alleged irregularities in the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case. The case has already landed former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, and AAP campaign manager Vijay Nair in jail.
I don’t know who is more shameless – this author or Yogendra Yadav, without whose knowledge this propaganda piece would not seen the light of day.
Was this an advertorial for Yogendra Yadav? Surely it could not be anything else.
The author quotes “Because of his interest in psephology, he ably understands electoral politics and its problems. It is a pity that he was unable to find himself a secure position in the politics that he is committed to,” If he understood so much of electoral politics, then why has he not been able to win a single legislative seat so far? In my opinion he should not be so utopian and become practical, and take blame for any failings, like not acting so innocent about the break-up of the AAP when he knows who were the others responsible.
WOW!!! Someone is actually writing an article on Yogendra Yadav, and trying to convince how great he is. Seems like YY has left his other work to really work on his image using his network. Now when is someone writing the biography of this neither here (NO Kailash Satyarthi) nor there (NO JP Narain) loser?
Very well written piece.
Maharshi Arbindo, Acharya Kriplani, Dr Lohia, Madhu Limaye, George Fernandes, Rajnarayan …….. there may be host of other names too, who believed in politics of values they stood for. One may agree or disagree to the point of view they cherished but the country badly needed them. Of late, politics of values has taken a back seat in the blind race for grabbing power, but the voices of intellects and values need to be heard and thought over.
What would have happened if Yogendra ji would have stayed with AAP and have become a Delhi Minister – the country and democracy would have gained and have become richer. It is now history as to why he and some others had to part ways with Arvind Kejriwal ji for whatever reasons. Even Anna have had his reservations about AAP and it’s administration. This has happened always in the past too when ideology and convictions had to go to margins leaving the mainstream. There have been many failed agitations and movements in our country.
Significance of a person in politics is measured by his numerical strength, one who does not have it are often not taken too seriously.
There are certain lost opportunities too in politics, which history perhaps does not forgive. Recalling everything, I feel Yogendra ji and his friends should have stayed on with AAP at least untill they attained certain political root and stability. But certain things in those times could not be handled the way they should have been. This resulted in AAP being limited to Delhi only. Otherwise, Anna agitation had all the potential of empacting the all India politics.
Just recall the panic in Congress when Ramdeo Baba landed in Delhi for his Ramlila ground Dharna. And ponder over – what would have have happened if the Baba would not have escaped from Ramlila ground and let himself arrested by the Delhi police instead? These are perhaps the occasions when the time didn’t match the demands of history.
Be it what it may, people like Yogendra ji is required to be in public life in whatever position and capacity destiny may allow. Dr Lohia knew too well he will never be in the govt – still he kept his movement on and people did support him. This never deterred him taking on a mighty and loving Prime Minister like Nehru. People loved Nehru but people loved Lohia too.
Yogendra ji’s party may not have the potential of becoming a formidable political force at least in foreseeable future but it would definitely have it’s ideological impact over body politik. He should be travelling the country, meeting people and spreading his view points. This would have it’s own impact and influence over the public opinion and public perception, though he lacks the so-called charishma and mass appeal. He may have to enroll some real politicians fitting into his ethos. For the kind of politics his Swaraj Party envisage, is somewhat too precious and it must live on!
When he speaks he comes across as well reasoned. However, you can see through the cynical politics once you read his articles. His stand on Delhi university proposal for 4-year degree reeked of trying to have it both ways. His reaction to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was to politicize it and to turn it into an employee issue. My belief is that he has no core beliefs and is not a team player. He is a bad role model for either a politician or an intellectual.
Yogendra Yadav is one of those tired old povertarians ( in Shekhar Gupta’s terminology), who would move in with slum dwellers, rather than help them move out. A part of a clique that offers no solutions but keeps pontificating. The same clique that has made India, the country it is, with some of the lowest HDI indicators on the planet. A country which everyone wishes to flee if they can.
A wonderful tribute to an intellectual and sociological giant. I would refrain from labeling him a politician. We need many more clear headed and intelligent people like him
Kitni chatega be
Yogendra Yadav is a weak man. He was all for the farmers prior to elections when people were giving the BJP 200 seats or thereabouts. After the election results YY has been speaking on all subjects other than the farmers.
In a way author’s suggestion is justified. We as a people have weak conscience, and a weak conscience keeper. But you cannot compare him with Ravish Kumar. The latter is made of much tougher material.
What are you? A conspiracy theory believer? Seems like you digested Modi’s victory easily.
An impression has been made to label leftists as conscience keepers. Conservative intellectuals like Swapan Dasgupta should change this misconception
That is the authors opinion. I think Yogendra Yadav is nothing but a two bit hypocrite who likes to pontificate.