Twitter abuzz with comments about Aam Aadmi Party

Micro-blogging website Twitter Sunday was abuzz with comments on the election results and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as it made a spectacular debut in the Delhi assembly polls.

Twitterati expressed surprise, happiness and some even spoke about learning a lesson or two.

Former IPS officer-turned-activist Kiran Bedi, who was in the core team of the India Against Corruption group before Arvind Kejriwal formed the AAP, said it will make democracy participatory.

"Youth+others who had no space in political life of Indian politics found space in AAP. This is what will make Indian democracy participatory," Bedi tweeted.

"Clear message: Indian politics has to become value based, democratic to grass roots, transparent in its funding & participatory with voters!"

Baijayant Panda of Biju Janata Dal took a dig at the Congress, asking the party to show humility.

"Polls 2013 Even in debacle you can salvage a modicum of self-respect by showing humility, saying you've heard voters & will adapt. But no..." Panda said.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu said: "Election results today convey only one thing, people want to get rid of INC (Indian National Congress)."

Sudheenra Kulkarni, former aide of BJP leader L.K. Advani, said new voters have spoken.

"Delhi results have the highest pan-Indian significance. Young & new voters have spoken. AAP phenomenon is a lesson for traditional parties," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also said he picked up lessons for the 2014 general elections.

"Notes to self for #2014 never underestimate the underdog/newcomer with a fresh face and message... big public meetings don't always mean votes but poorly attended ones definitely indicate big trouble," he wrote.
Abdullah also congratulated Kejriwal.

"Congratulations to Arvind Kejriwal Stunning political debut. Now fight the good fight & live up to the promise the people of Delhi have seen," he said.

Abdullah also had a word of sympathy for former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit who lost to Kejriwal.

"At the same time when the dust settles on this election I hope we still remember the amazing transformation of Delhi under Mrs Dixit's 15 yrs," he wrote.

On a positive note, political commentator Pritish Nandy said: "AAP shows the way forward for India. Anything is possible. Don't give up hope in the people of India."

"For BJP its time to celebrate. For Congress, time to introspect, renew itself. For AAP, time to consolidate," Nandy said.

Congress leaders, meanwhile, appeared humble.

"Congratulations to all the winners in Delhi, MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. For the rest, time to introspect. #Democracy," tweeted Law Minister Kapil Sibal.