Thiruvananthapuram: As part of its expansion plans after the Delhi victory, the Aam Aadmi Party is set to woo the sections which have been traditionally neglected by the UDF and the LDF in the state.
AAP sources have said that Kerala has witnessed a series of mass agitations on the issues of livelihood, land, waste dumping and basic amenities.
These were led by organisations which had no affiliation to mainstream political parties.
The party is keeping its options open on organizations like Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samara Vedi (SJVSV) led by Laha Gopalan, which spearheaded the Chengara land struggle, Adivasi Dalit Munneta Samithi, which is currently agitating in Arippa, Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha fighting for the rights of adivasis, Madhya Virudha Samithi and people’s resistance against waste plants in Vilappilsala, Lalur, Brahmapuram and agitations against mega projects, including Aranmula airport.
During his recent visit to Kerala, AAP national executive member Prashant Bhushan had referred to the plunder of forests and natural resources by big corporate houses depriving adivasis and dalits of their livelihood.
“Many organisations are approaching us; for instance, the Madhya Virudha Samithi. We are already part of Aranmula agitation,” said Manoj Padmanabhan, state coordinator of AAP.
AAP believes that mainstream parties were carrying out cosmetic measures and had failed to bring about radical changes in polices to address the livelihood, education, health, housing and land issues of the poor.
The emergence of AAP has kindled hope among the organisations in the state.
“AAP emerged from the anti-corruption plank and we too believe that corruption is eating into the schemes and funds meant for the poor,’’ said Adivasi Gothra Mahasabaha leader M. Geethanandan.
“A sizeable population are suffering. If they get a real alternative, the UDF and the LDF will be wiped out. AAP will have to identify good candidates like they did in Delhi. Our support will depend on the issues that it takes up for the poor and landless,’’ said Laha Gopalan.
