For AAP, is referendum the new populism?

Populism is an eccentric phenomenon that by and large builds its philosophy around mystifying principles which are ‘Music on Hearing but Bad on Bearing.’ Neither it’s tough to identify a populist political leader nor is it unwieldy to classify his vague ‘socialist-marketing’ measures though his public discourses, even if you’re the dumbest of the bloke in the city. A populist politician masquerades himself as a ‘Messiah’ of common (read poor and beaten down) masses but doesn’t fail to shake hands with the same ‘cruel-elite’ at the far end of the day. For him, anyone (Right wing Leader) even when standing at the center seems to be on the extreme right as he is himself positioned at the ‘farthermost left’ of the Leftist. If we were to compare all the incumbent ideologies namely Right, Left and others in the Indian politics, almost everyone has fallen prey to the doctrine of populism (read subsidies) politics. The latest to fall in trap is the much talked about the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, for them, ‘Referendum’ seems to take over the very word i.e. ‘Populism’ in debate.

The noted Supreme Court lawyer and the senior AAP leader, Prashant Bhushan, who has even many times in the past come up with ambiguous statements on contentious issues articulates again that the issue of presence of Indian Army in the J&K should be determined by a referendum in the state concerned.

Understandably, the AAP attaches huge value to referendum whether it may be about them forming government in Delhi with the Congress support or something else. But, people who rolled on to power supported ably by both fortune and mass support should know that the mechanism of referendum must remain restricted to electoral matters. Bhushan must be aware about the fact that his party is no more a Non Government Organization (NGO) now but a well established political unit in power in Delhi that is also rearing national ambitions. If the AAP articulates truthfully, as it always boasts about, that its opinions and decisions only reflect the inherent belief of the ‘aam aadmi’ of the country, then such irrational statements won’t solve the purpose for either of the two - at least for Arvind Kejriwal and his party.

For every citizen of India who abides by the Constitution of the country, the Indian Army stands as the most respected institution and Kashmir an integral part of the nation. Most importantly, the plebiscite issue is no longer part of an international agenda and doesn’t enjoy a role in the India-Pakistan bilateral talks as well. Hinting towards plebiscite on the issue of Kashmir‘s relationship with India is therefore a thoughtless attempt that needs to be hanged till death in the court of public. Arvind Kejriwal and his party men did distance themselves from the matter fearing brickbats approaching from all corners, but the Delhi Chief Minister also added in his response that the views of local public of the concerned region must be taken into consideration on such matters, which says a lot if analyzed properly. Even Kejriwal’s past record on litigious issues such as Batla House encounter case has been debatable. Both Kejriwal and Bhushan have earned enough condemnation for their views on the issues of Kashmir and Batla House encounter in the past, so what comes up in form of an official line from the party would be interesting to learn about.

Terming the controversial statement issued by Bhushan as his personal notion doesn’t bring the debate to a satisfactory end. What exactly is AAP’s outlook in the matters concerning national importance? It’s also factual that their national manifesto is not ready yet and hence anything coming out of their quarter mustn’t be confused with their official lines on the national matters - but, shouldn’t their leaders be more vigilant in voicing out their personal views when representing party in media? It doesn’t take much to misconstrue the personal opinion to be an authorized word of the party by the media and the common man of the country.

Fascinating it would be to watch the AAP’s official line on the matters of national importance. But, is ‘Referendum’ the new ‘Populism’? At least it seems such for our beloved Aam Aadmi Party.