DNA Edit: An apology backfires

Arvind Kejriwal is now used to being under fire for his controversial statements and actions but the last thing he probably expected to get into trouble for was an apology. The AAP leader’s apology to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, after accusing him of being involved in the drugs trade, may have won him goodwill from the rival party but has created a mini-revolt in his own with AAP Punjab president Bhagwant Mann and co-president Aman Arora resigning from their posts. The AAP Punjab unit’s ire is understandable.

The party was looking to target rival parties on the big issue surrounding the drugs trade and Kejriwal’s apology for making “unfounded allegations,” has jeopardised that campaign. The rumours that Kejriwal has done so to ward off defamation notices against himself has also angered Punjab party leaders who believe that he acted in self interest. While Kejriwal and his close aides may yet successfully douse the flames it will take some time for the anger to simmer down. What makes this controversy different from the others is the foolishness that Kejriwal has shown.

One does not change a political strategy so abruptly without consulting the state leadership as that makes them and the party look ridiculous which is what has happened. It also throws into doubt the party’s utterances so far as one wonders if they too will be overturned. Finally, it shows once again that Kejriwal believes that his word is the last one and that it will be accepted without question. The fact that the party’s tumultuous history has not convinced him otherwise should worry party leaders and the rank and file who are still somehow trying to convince the public that AAP is a party with a difference.