New Delhi : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be holding its National Council meeting on Saturday to decide the fate of two of its dissident leaders — Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav.
They have accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of suppressing democracy within the party that now rules Delhi.
Talking to reporters ahead of the meeting on Saturday, Yadav said today is an important day and the fate of social movement out of which AAP was born, will be decided.
“It’s a day which will decide the future of one of the most extraordinary movements this country has witnessed,” he said.
“The idea of AAP is much bigger and sacred than organisational frame called AAP,” said Yadav, adding that he has received messages and suggestions of thousands of volunteers and “I am sure their advice and well wishes shall not go waste”.
The duo has branded Kejriwal an autocrat surrounded by “yes men” and accused him of deviating from the party’s ideals.
The AAP has also accused them of having tried to sabotage the party in the run up to the Delhi polls last month which it won handsomely.
Friday’s war of words appeared to mark an end to whatever possibilities may have existed for the two camps to overcome their differences and shake hands.
Bhushan and Yadav said earlier that they were ready to give up all party posts if Kejriwal met their five demands — including transparency within and autonomy to state units.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh said he cannot rule out splitting up of AAP.
“Taking into view present scenario, we cannot rule out breaking up of AAP,” he said. He added: “We made serious efforts to resolve issues, agreed on all of their terms.”
Yadav and Bhushan had five demands — transparency in the AAP, autonomy for local units, a Lokpal probe into graft charges against party members, AAP should come within the ambit of the RTI, and an end to secret ballot during election to key posts.
Since storming to power in Delhi last month with a brute majority, the AAP has been embroiled in an internal crisis that has pitted Bhushan and Yadav against Kejriwal, the party’s best known face.