Thiruvananthapuram: Many civil society outfits are warming up to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as they believe a credible alternative to the main stream parties in the state is a “historical necessity.”
Many sections including Dalit outfits, Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Union, Anweshi, action council against NH widening and National Fishworkers Forum are coming closer to AAP. But these organizations have not made up their mind to join the party or strike an alliance, as they want AAP to spell out its policy on their issues.
“All civil society groups in the state will rally around AAP. The mainstream parties have trampled upon the people and their issues,’’ said K. Ajitha, president Anweshi. She said Oppositoin Leader V.S. Achuthanandan is an exceptional leader and someone who has raised people’s issues quite effectively. But his hands are tied.
“We want him to break the shackles and join the flow of masses,’’ she added. Ajitha said she was not in a position to join any political party including AAP because of her preoccupation with organizational work. “I support Sarah Joseph’s decision to join AAP. I will support her wholeheartedly if she contests Lok Sabha polls,’’ she added.
Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation president T. Peter said AAP had a bright future in the state. “It took shape from the anti corruption movement. But we are keen to know their stand on the fisheries sector,’’ he said adding that National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) would soon urge the AAP national leadership to include issues of fisheries sector in their manifesto.
Several organizations including Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samara Vedi which led the Chengara stir, Adivasi Dalit Munneta Samithi agitating in Arippa, Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha, Madhya Virudha Samithi, people’s resistance against waste plants in Vilappilsala, Lalur, Brahmapuram and action council protesting against Aranmula airport are keenly watching AAP developments.
