The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now a registered political party. It will soon be allotted a symbol.
As activist and party convenor Arvind Kejriwal goes on a “fast” in Nandnagari here from Saturday against inflated water and power bills, the party received a communication from the Election Commission on Friday that it had registered the AAP as a “political party” under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, with effect from March 21, 2013.
“This takes us one step closer to our dream of Swaraj — of delivering governance right into the hands of the people,” Mr. Kejriwal told The Hindu
Expressing “happiness,” he said, “Our initial movement shook the foundations of corruption in India within months of its launch. On October 2, all common citizens of India — the freedom fighters — took a vow to rescue democracy from the clutches of corrupt politicians by entering electoral politics themselves and we remain committed to that.”
He said the party had not yet been issued any exclusive symbol. As per rules, the symbol will be allotted just before the notifications for elections.
The application for registration of AAP was filed on December 3, 2012. The Election Commission invited objections. Some were received but the EC found them “unsuitable” after hearing out the clarifications/replies submitted by the party representative on February 13, 2013.
However, while issuing the registration certificate the EC directed the party not to use the National Emblem, the Ashoka Chakra or any part in their letterhead or any other party materials in view of the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. “The party has accepted this direction,” he added.
Mr. Kejriwal and several members had broken away from social activist Anna Hazare to form a political outfit to fight corruption. The AAP now plans to contest the Delhi elections.
