AAP—Phenomenon or Euphoria?
Dr Arvind Kumar
The stunning victory registered by the Aam Adami Party (AAP) at recently held assembly election in Delhi has unfolded a new chapter in the prevalent party system in India. One wonders whether the emergence of AAP is a lasting phenomenon or a euphoria that would fade away into oblivion. The UPA-1 rode the crest of power in 2004 on the plank of Aam Adami and at the fag end of its second term in power; it has swept the Aam Adami under the carpet of scams, non-governance and retardation. Emergence of political parties as an off-shoot of movements is not a new phenomenon and emergence of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in Assam and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are stark examples of this phenomenon. However, AAP phenomenon entails various unanswered questions for the future like: Will it retain its present momentum? Will it be an All-India phenomenon or remain confined to the precincts of Delhi at number two/three? Will it fulfill the aspirations of Aam Adami or let itself become a tool in the hands of vested interests? Answers to these and other related questions are hidden in the future and let’s wait and watch.
