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. AAP returned to power in 2015, winning an overwhelming 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Under Kejriwal’s leadership, the government focused on addressing key urban issues like inflation, water, electricity bills, and public services, with a promise of free water and electricity for residents. AAP’s welfare schemes included initiatives like Mohalla Clinics for healthcare and expanding the Delhi Metro network. These initiatives garnered significant praise and boosted the party’s popularity.
However, AAP’s relationship with the central government, led by the BJP, has been marked by ongoing tensions, especially regarding control over the Delhi Police and other administrative matters. The party has frequently clashed with the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), who is appointed by the central government.
One of the biggest controversies surrounding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in recent years has been the corruption charges linked to the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy. Several key AAP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, have been accused of irregularities in the policy, which allegedly favored liquor suppliers. The case led to their arrests by central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Convener Arvind Kejriwal was also jailed in connection with the case. After being granted bail, Kejriwal stepped down as Chief Minister, with Atishi taking over the role.
Every party is guilty. So we should forgive them all.
Every man is a cheat. After all he has a family to feed. So ……
How else does any political party finance its continuing activities, which see an enormous spurt during elections. It needs both sorts of money. In terms of perception, the public will draw its own inferences and conclusions. There is also need for the higher judiciary to see the big picture, because all these cases, of action and inaction, ultimately come before it. Sometimes for something as basic as grant of bail, which ought to be the almost unvarying rule, since these are not heinous crimes.
Forget about politicians, even so called journalists have been exposed to be corrupt. Some were caught acting as power pimps. What happened to them? They are still seen in their well tailored suits, pontificating. Why should people believe anyone/anything?