The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) turned out to be the biggest challenge for India Against Corruption (IAC) in Jharkhand as its members conceded that confusion over who to chose resulted in disenchantment with the movement against corruption and the association behind it.
The followers of Anna Hazare, revered by the IAC members, have embarked on a 25-day statewide journey to recuperate from the setback suffered due to AAP and recover ground lost to it over a period of time.
The members of the IAC hit back at Kejriwal & Co for taking a separate path which not only diluted the crusade against corruption and corrupt politicians but at same time divided the public thus weakening the movement in the State. The IAC acknowledged that one person became larger than the movement thus making the split inevitable and a weaker movement as a result of that.
“This happens when too much importance is attached to one figure. His (Kejriwal) political ambition turned against the interests of the movement,” said Convener of IAC in Jharkhand Amritesh Pathak.
The IAC’s statewide rally, Sankalp Yatra which is beginning from today, will aim at galvanizing around 10000 people against corruption in the State. The movement will culminate with a rally of all members including the newly inducted one at Ranchi which will focus on lokpal; lokayukta; Right to reject; bringing political parties under the purview of Right to Information; transparency in the recruitment of Chief Election Commissioner, Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Chief Information Commissioner, Comptroller & Auditor General besides ensuring monitoring Police, administration by people and taking steps to insulate the central investigative agency, CBI, from any political intervention.
“This rally is to awaken people and solicit their support in the long battle against corruption,” maintained Pathak. The Jharkhand unit of IAC will step up pressure on the government for framing women policy and coal block allocation scam. Incidentally, Jharkhand still lacks a women policy deemed necessary to address crimes against women.
“We will disclose our future course of action on all issues including women policy and coal block allocation scam,” added Pathak. The IAC candidly admitted that the movement also suffered because of money and muscle power allegedly used by politicians and political parties active in the State.
“Money and muscle power has prevailed so far. So we are trying to mobilize people who are ready to wage a war against corruption,” said Pathak.