A defeat in victory

Faced with the first serious intra-party crisis, Arvind Kejriwal emerges with his hold on the party stronger but stature diminished. He could have perhaps sorted out the differences with his senior colleagues and avoided the fight. But he used the majority to silence dissent and stamp out a possible threat to his leadership. It is clear Kejriwal does not brook criticism, even from founding AAP members Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, who have been removed from the Political Affairs Committee. The two were charged with "indiscipline" and "sabotage". His loyalists used unethical means to perform a sting operation in a desperate attempt to discredit Yogendra Yadav. Prashant Bhushan was absurdly accused of trying to promote family members to capture the party. A leader who resorts to expulsion rather than debate often ends up with yes men. 

Of course, the duo was voted out democratically. But it was a narrow win for Kejriwal and his coterie. Eight PAC members and several others are concerned at the issues thrown up such as the choice of candidates and bogus donations during the Delhi elections, and the emerging personality cult and high command culture in the party. AAP claims to represent honesty, transparency and inner democracy in politics. The latest sparring does not strengthen the belief that the party follows these ideals. Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan may not be as popular as Kejriwal, but they have strengthened the ideological and intellectual credentials of the party. The issues they have raised call for introspection. 

AAP has aroused hope for an alternative to traditional politics. How Arvind Kejriwal's government performs in Delhi may well shape the party's future in other states, especially Punjab and Haryana. The party workers, supporters and well-wishers are disappointed with the latest happenings. Some have launched a social media campaign for a "united AAP". It is possible the squabbling leadership may patch up. But right now the infighting has left the party with a bloody nose and it does not look good. Besides, it may distract the leadership from the task at hand, that is, governance.