Observing that public movements had never been apolitical in its characteristics, social activist-turned-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Medha Patkar said the politics of public movement has got a new strength in the form of AAP.
While talking to media persons here on Monday, Patkar said, “Public movement has played an important role in the enactment of various legislations such as the Hawkers Act, the Forest Rights Act, the Right to Information Act and the Right to Food Security Act.”
She asserted that public movement had played
an important role in politics in bringing about these legislations. “However, anti-graft movement -- under the stewardship of social activist Anna Hazare made it clear that public wanted a greater change in the political system and was looking for an alternative,”
she added. Citing numerous scams, including the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) scam, she alleged that all the political parties had become partners in corruption. She also claimed that rampant corruption took place in the rehabilitation of Sardar Sarovar
Project affected.
“This necessitated the formation of a new party that would provide another alternative as well as an alternate view on political and economic issues,” she said adding that no party had the courage to stand against the Ambanis.
The AAP leader heaped praises on the short-lived Arvind Kejriwal Government in New Delhi stating that it accomplished a lot in a mere 49 days. She mentioned the slashing of power tariff by 50 per cent and transferring of over 700 Delhi Jal Board employees in this regard.
Taking a dig at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, she said Modi cannot wipe the slate clean of Gujarat riots by making big speeches. She dished out several figures to support her contention that Gujarat had not progressed as it is claimed. Replying to a query about declaring prime ministerial candidate, Patkar said that declaring a prime ministerial candidate in not in accordance with democratic norms. Under democracy, the Prime Minister is chosen by elected representatives.