Bangalore’s Aam Aadmi Party is synonymous not with Arvind Kejriwal, but the young and dynamic Prithvi Reddy.
In what seems like no time at all, Reddy has understood the nuances that govern Karnataka politics. As he points out, however, “I’m not here to contest the elections. What I want is to build a long term foundation for AAP.”
Quiz him about the amazing turn of events in 2013 and he says, “More has happened this year than I could have dreamed possible. I was forced to join politics because I realized it was the need of the hour. What I began with reluctance has become a passion,” he added.
Prithvi Reddy’s leadership qualities were evident right from his schooldays.
A bright young boy from St Joseph’s High School, he showed unusual initiative.
“It would be wrong to say that politics and social work always interested me. Two events changed my life. In 1993, an accident left me bed-ridden for a year and in 2005, we lost our twins.”
He is rarely more excited than when he talks about his dad. “My father has been a big influence in my life. Having hailed from a village in Kolar district, he always wanted to give something back. He went on to construct a school there.”
Reddy admits he had little idea about the devastation that poverty can cause, although he condemns those who grudge him his affluent background.
“People sometimes ask me how I understand hunger with a full stomach. Activists have tried to put me down, too. To them, I say, experience is the only requisite for understanding, the mind and the heart can achieve it too.”
The Aam Aadmi party garnered huge support in Bengaluru and Reddy remains optimistic that the new generation of politicos will give the existing political classes a run for their money. “Today’s youth is very aware. They prioritize, work hard, and takes interest in their nation.”
The Aam Admi party believes in honesty and Prithvi Reddy will soon select candidates for Karnataka’s 2014 elections.
How can he guarantee the honesty of the candidates? “I never say ‘trust me.’ I would be lying if I said I could vouch for the integrity of each one, although I will select them due diligence.”
Although Delhi saw a spectacular victory for AAP, issues in Bengaluru are quite different. AAP is confident about cracking the elections here, too, since they concentrate on issues like land grabbing, garbage, water and public transport.
