Both Loksatta Party and Aam Admi Party are formed as anti corruption parties as their main agenda. That along with decentralization and right-to-service is the biggest similarity. But a lot of the similarity ends right there. Many supporters form both sides want to see these parties work together. The contrast in the style of their leaders is obvious. While Kejriwal is more confrontational, JP talks at the policy level. But there is more to it. Below are some examples why we will not see AAP and LSP alliance.
We know that AAP is just days old, and they don’t have an official position on several issues. So we will take the position of their leaders in this context.
Genetically Modified Food: Prashanth Bhushan appeared for Public Interest Litigation in Supreme Court to ban all field trails on genetically modified food for 10 years saying that GM crops would cause an "irreversible contamination". Supreme Court granted the ban. Immediately Dr JP filed a petition to lift the same ban in Supreme court, saying GM food is “perfectly safe” and opposition is just ” fear, scare-mongering and aversion to monopolies”. This must cause a division in their relationship which was earlier built in the 2G case when they both stood on the same side.
Diesel Price Hike: LSP has “welcomed” the decision of price hike saying it is much needed. Arvind Kejriwal was furious on the price hike and said government should instead go after the scamsters and raise revenue that way instead of raising the prices. We also know that Arvind raised a huge protest against the electricity price hike in New Delhi.
Kudankulam Nuclear Plant: Arvind Kejriwal met with SP Udaykumar and gave total support to the protesters against the nuclear plant. Prashanth Bhushan filed a case in Supreme Court against the orders of fueling the Nuclear plant. While they both totally oppose the nuclear plant, there was no mention of the issue from Dr JP or LSP yet.
FDI: We know Loksatta “welcomed” the FDI in retail sector. Dr JP said FDI “will benefit the farmer and the consumer, and stimulate the economy”. While we are still waiting for a solid response from Mr Kejriwal, he recently promised his supporters that he would protest against FDI.
Manmohan & Modi: Arvind Kejriwal (and Anna Hazare) listed out Manmohan Singh to be investigated in the coal scam. Dr JP about their demand said – “wild allegations in irrational exuberance and in reckless abandon for principle”. Dr JP also said Manmohan and Narendra Singh Modi, among other “maintain high standards of conduct and probity against heavy odds”. We know Arvind Kejriwal thinks Modi “has not been just accused of communal riots”, but also “playing a prominent role in protecting the corrupt ministers”
The point of the post is not to make one party look bad over the other. They may be right in their own way. But my point is, if they are going to be serious about working and complement each other’s’ strengths, they need to compromise on some of their stances. I think LSP should have a little more sense of urgency as AAP looks like it will cut through some of LSP’s support base. LSP-AAP Alliance Should happen in the better interests of the society,both headed by intellectuals who have seen the way the government functions,and will be a deadly combination in the fight against corruption.As it stands today, both groups come across as know-it-all, and I can’t see them working together anytime soon.
About the author: Srihari Atluri is a social activist and a software engineer from LA. Email: [email protected]
