Congress downplays Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party

The Congress on Saturday played down launching of a political outfit by Arvind Kejriwal, saying there were 1453 political parties registered in India and one more would strengthen the democratic fabric.

"If a person or group of people have decided to float a political party, it is their right," senior Congress leader and Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari told reporters on Saturday.

"There are 1453 political parties registered with the Election Commission. So, if one more is added, this will only strengthen our democratic fabric," he said.

"The more the merrier," Tewari quipped when asked to comment on one more party "Aam Aadmi", floated by activist Kejriwal, coming into existence.

"The Aam Aadmi (common man) is synonymous with the Congress since 1885 when the party came into existence.

"Therefore, nobody can either hijack or skyjack or bicycle-jack the intrinsic relationship between the Congress and the people of this country," Tewari said.

Kejriwal's party has been named 'Aam Aadmi Party' at a meeting of its founder-members in the national capital.