Social activist Medha Patkar, who announced “active support” to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) recently, on Sunday said the option to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls on AAP ticket was open to her while indicating that some leaders of her National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) may also take the political plunge.
She also said certain Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leaders are also actively considering contesting elections on AAP ticket in at least ten districts in Madhya Pradesh.
“National Alliance of People’s Movement has decided to give active support to the AAP and some of its leaders may contest coming Lok Sabha elections,” Ms. Patkar told PTI .
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader said though she had not formally joined the Arvind Kejriwal-led outfit, “the option to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections on AAP ticket is open”.
Ms. Patkar also claimed AAP will emerge as a third choice in Madhya Pradesh as people are disillusioned with both the BJP and Congress and are looking for a viable alternative.
“In the coming Lok Sabha polls AAP stands a fair chance of emerging as a third force. But at present it would be difficult to measure how much space this newly created party would be able to create for it,” Ms. Patkar said.
She said people now wanted to “distance” themselves from the parties that are traditionally indulged in the politics of money, liquor and religion.
“People of the state are highly disappointed with the BJP and Congress and are now looking towards an alternative and we believe that AAP can provide a better option to them,” she said.
Replying to a query Ms. Patkar said AAP was still in the formative stage as compared to other parties.
“The parties which originates from an agitation have to face a lot of challenges at initial level,” she said.
Ms. Patkar also cautioned AAP of selecting its candidates in a very disciplined and impartial manner without any influence. “Otherwise there will not be any difference between AAP and other political parties,” she noted.
