AAPortunities Exist But Kejris Have to Wait: Prof

Kodandaram believes AAP-like parties may find space in N India due to the prevailing situation but says it’s premature to jump to the same conclusion in case of Telangana where people have great expectations on the KCR govt

HYDERABAD: There is scope for emergence of AAP-like parties across the country but in the case of Telangana, it could be a bit premature to think so, believes Prof M Kodandaram, the chief non-political activist of the statehood agitation.

The professor continues to steer the Telangana JAC even after formation of the State but has so far refrained from entering mainstream politics, unlike Kejriwal who has transformed from being an activist into a politician

Speaking to Express, Kodandaram says the resounding victory for AAP in Delhi has given new hope and confidence that people are more than willing to, or rather look forward to, supporting political parties not controlled by corporate interests. “In one sense, it signifies a major development in Indian politics, post-liberalisation. In a way, it is a lesson to many ruling parties. They have to understand that if they use power for personal interests and promote the cause of a few corporate lobbies at the cost of the general public, they are opening up space for Kejriwals. People are looking for those who can govern in a responsible fashion,” he opines.

According to him, the potential for AAP-like formations exists, particularly in North India given the political situation that prevails in those states. “In the case of Telangana, however, I think it is somewhat premature. It is a new state and a party which fought for statehood has been elected. People, who have never really looked at government, now expect this dispensation to work for them. This is a good sign and how this government-people equation shapes up in future remains to be seen,” the professor explains.

Kodandaram feels many programmes announced by the TRS government so far are in line with its election manifesto though two prime areas - agriculture and job creation - are yet to deserve the kind of attention they should.

As for TRS critics who say the government is not involving activists like him the way it should have, the professor’s counter is: “The issue is not how the government is viewing us. The larger issue is whether its actions are in public interest. That will be the touchstone. As for us, we are working on detailed working papers on what needs to be done in areas like health, education and welfare and shall present them to the government when they are ready.”

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