The saga of the Aam Aadmi Party is all about how a country which was increasingly becoming devoid of principles in politics took to a rookie party in spite of its getting a bad press by the electronic media ( >“The AAP conundrum,” May 24 ). The party’s intentions were well-meaning as it wanted to “change the system.” However, it seems to have lost its way. The more members of the AAP challenge the system, the more the perception that all that it is indulging in was pure drama will gain ground.
M.B. Bhargav,
Bangalore
The AAP suffers from several weaknesses, many of which will be analysed in the days ahead. However, its greatest strength has been to remain “different” from other mainstream parties, especially in its approach to governance and corruption, which are indeed necessary to correct the old ways of ruling India. The AAP should make its ideas and ideals more concrete. The time has come for the party to learn from its mistakes and move on.
Divakar Pai,
Thrissur The idea of AAP was born in the cradle of the anti-corruption movement. However, it is the problems that are associated with such a movement becoming institutionalised that are haunting the party. Experience has shown that for any party to survive, it is a well-thought-out ideology that holds the rank and file together that is needed rather than a particular issue. Rather than indulging in what can be called “drama” — and which has only limited value — the time has come for the AAP to understand this and prove that it is capable of governance.
Kamal Kishore A.K.,
Kannur
