The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), meaning the Common Man’s Party, is a relatively new political party in India that has made its mark on the national political landscape. The party was officially launched on November 26, 2012, but its roots can be traced back to the India Against Corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare and anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal.
The India Against Corruption movement gained significant momentum in 2011, fueled by widespread public discontent over corruption in the government and bureaucracy. Anna Hazare’s hunger strike, demanding the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill—an anti-corruption legislation—garnered nationwide attention and became a rallying point for the public.
Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent member of the movement, recognized the need for a political alternative to tackle corruption and governance issues effectively. He believed that merely protesting from the outside wouldn’t bring about substantial change. Kejriwal, along with other activists, including Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, decided to form a political party that would prioritize the concerns of the common people and challenge the established political order.
On November 26, 2012, the Aam Aadmi Party was officially launched with the goal of providing a platform for citizens to participate directly in the political process and address the prevailing issues of corruption, accountability, and transparency in governance. The party’s name itself, Aam Aadmi Party, reflects its focus on championing the cause of the ordinary citizens and working towards their welfare.
The AAP quickly gained attention and support due to its anti-corruption stance and its promise to bring about a “clean” and inclusive form of politics. In the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, just a year after its formation, the AAP made a remarkable debut by winning 28 out of 70 seats and emerging as the second-largest party.
Arvind Kejriwal, the face of the party, became the Chief Minister of Delhi in December 2013. However, the AAP’s first stint in power was short-lived as internal conflicts and disagreements led to Kejriwal resigning from his post after 49 days. Despite this setback, the party remained resilient and continued to build its support base.
In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP swept to power with a historic victory, winning 67 out of 70 seats. The party’s emphasis on welfare measures such as affordable electricity, free water supply, and improved education and healthcare resonated with the people of Delhi.
Since then, the Aam Aadmi Party has focused on delivering its promises and implementing its agenda in Delhi. It has emphasized citizen-centric governance, anti-corruption measures, and social welfare initiatives. The AAP’s performance in the Delhi government has garnered both praise and criticism, but its ability to connect with the common people and address their concerns remains one of its defining features.
Over time, the Aam Aadmi Party has expanded its presence beyond Delhi and contested elections in various other states across India. While its success at the national level has been limited, the party continues to be a significant player in Delhi politics and an influential voice in Indian politics, promoting issues related to grassroots democracy, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.
The history of the Aam Aadmi Party is a testament to the power of citizen activism and the desire for a more accountable and transparent political system in India. Its emergence and rise have provided an alternative political platform that has challenged conventional politics and brought attention to the aspirations and concerns of the common man.
