AAP leaders attempt to contain rift

Arvind Kejriwal to return to Delhi today

Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) leaders held a series of informal consultations on Sunday to work out a compromise between warring factions ahead of Arvind Kejriwal’s return to the national capital. The Delhi chief minister will be back in Delhi on Monday.

Though there is no indication of reconciliatory moves attaining any success, one thing is clear — the warring factions have softened their stance. At least since last two days, leaders are not using bitter words against each other. They are also not making accusations. Leaders from both the sides were seen concentrating on programmes they have chosen for themselves. Yogendra Yadav went to Haryana to lead farmers’ protest and Sanjay Singh to Uttar Pradesh for a similar programme. Another important leader Asutosh was quoted as saying that he respects Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan. He also recounted their contribution to the party.

According to sources, there were series of consultations among the leaders to workout a compromise. The senior leaders who are active on the front are Anand Kumar and Kumar Vishwas. Both of them are said to have met leaders of both the sides and conveyed that infighting will do no good to the party.

 However, no one in the party is sure of Kejriwal’s response to the situation. If he has indicated anything, it is his desire to concentrate on Delhi. This is his old line and it does not suit Yogendra Yadav. The only concession he could give is to assign some new responsibilities to Yadava and Bhushan. If it happens, the party could be saved from division.