In a move that could bolster the base of the Aam Aadmi Party, social activist Medha Patkar on Monday announced that the National Alliance of People’s Movements would “actively support” it. Ms. Patkar is convener of the NAPM, an umbrella forum of around 250 social organisations across the country.
Ms. Patkar said the NAPM constituents would decide by January 17 whether or not they would join the party after holding talks with the AAP.
Asked whether she would join the party or contest an election, Ms. Patkar said: “I am not ruling out anything. I cannot give any decision just now. The process of consultation with NAPM members is still on.” However, several NAPM members, including Alok Agarwal of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, have already declared their intention of fighting the Lok Sabha polls on AAP ticket.
Ms. Patkar, who has spearheaded the Narmada Bachao Andolan and has been part of various other social movements for over 30 years, has so far steered clear of politics. However, she said, the country was witnessing a critical phase and the AAP was performing the important role of connecting people’s movements with politics.
