The AAP Conundrum

Power is a bitch and  absolute power  a super bitch.

Most of the problems in AAP stem from the fact that they are sitting pretty with an absolute majority.  One wonders if this simmering discontent would have been allowed to take the form which has now taken if the party had a simple majority and it would have been easy to topple the apple cart.

To be fair to Kejriwal, there is no party in India which can claim to be democratic.  Every party revolves around it’s one charismatic leader.  No leader bothers to prepare a second line of leadership.  In fact anyone who is a threat  to the leadership is conveniently deleted.

Coming back to Kejriwal, he  is very ambitious  and  brooks no competition. Any competition is ruthlessly quashed. He has cultivated an army of headless followers who are ready to attack any dissenting voice. Yogendra Yadav is normally unflappable. But even he must have been shocked at the vehemence with which he was attacked.  There are conspiracy theories abound. But the one which looks more credible that this whole fight is about Rajya Sabha Seats. After their sensational  performance in the recent election, AAP is now sure of  three seats. Ashutosh and Khaitan are ensuring that by eliminating Yogendra Yadav, there is no competition left. That explains the over zealousness of these two blokes.

If one observes carefully, there is a pattern .  Clearly Kejriwal is not comfortable with anyone who is telegenic, TV or social media savvy or is articulate. Look at the way  Kumar Vishwas and Shazia Ilmi were elbowed out. Kejriwal has a weakness for limelight and he hates sharing it. Anyone hogging the limelight is a target. There are presently two candidates. but both are more of hench men then any serious competition. Ashutosh's command over English is dodgy and makes him a target for fun. Khaitan on the other hand is fast developing his image as the Sanjay Jha of AAP.

But Yogendra Yadav is different. But one thing is sure. Yogendra Yadav shall not be the last to be sidelined. 

After Yogendra Yadav, who could be the next victim? Raghav Chadha should be careful.

However, It is easier to predict who would be safer. The one man in AAP who is smarter than even Kejriwal is probably Manish Sisodia.  He understand Kejriwal better than anyone else and hence deliberately kept a low profile.

It is a symbiotic relationship. Kejriwal needs Sisodia as much as he needs Kejriwal. It is very difficult for Kejriwal to sit in an office and work. He is much comfortable participating in dharnas and playing the role of an anarchist.  Naturally he needs a second in command. He found that perfect Manmohan Singh in Sisodia.

Sisodia, on the other hand, understands that although he is officially the Dy. CM , But in reality he would be the one running the show.  So it is a win win situation.

I do not for a moment think that anything dramatically will emerge out of this meeting. Kejriwal has resigned as the convenor because he knows that the numbers are on his side. The resignation was just one of his publicity stunts. It wouldn’t be surprising if Yogendra Yadav or Prashant Bhushan appeals him to continue being a convener.

There is just one small detail which will have changed.

The party with a difference will cease to be a party with a difference.

Apart from that, life will continue as usual.