Internal struggle shows AAP like any other party, say rivals

NEW DELHI: With AAP witnessing internal power struggle, its political rivals today said the party's claim that it was a 'party with a difference' had fallen flat and it was just another political organisation struggling with "individual-centric" functioning.

While Congress alleged that AAP lacked a strong party constitution, the BJP said the party was operating in a "dynastic and individual-centric" manner which was similar to some regional parties, a view echoed by NCP.

"From whatever has been going on in the party, it seems it is no different from parties led by Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD) or Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP). It is nothing but a parivar (dynastic) or individual (centric) party with Arvind (Kejriwal) alone dominating the party," said BJP spokesman GVL Narsimha Rao.

"They came to power claiming a new era of politics to bring about a radical transformation. But what you see now is the degeneration of AAP..." he added.

Former AAP member and now a BJP leader, Shazia Ilmi, alleged that Kejriwal was "scripting" the developments. "It was a planned script, Kejriwal is the director and producer of the script," she charged.

Congress alleged that AAP lacked a strong constitution, which has resulted in the internal power struggle.

"You actually require a very strong constitution and a strong digestive system to digest and absorb power. And, therefore, it seems, AAP is unable to digest the loaves and fishes of office. And that is why you see this entire ugly spat come out in the open," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said.

The Congress leader also taunted Kejriwal, saying, "Because the (party's) digestive system is weak, some people require naturopathy treatment."

Tewari's comment comes against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal going for naturopathy treatment in Bangalore over complaints of chronic cough and high sugar level.