Mangalore: Disillusioned AAP members resign en masse


Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)

Mangalore, Jul 19: In what may spell as an end of Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) stint in the district, the founding members of the party in Dakshina Kannada on Saturday July 19 resigned en masse, apparently disappointed with the functioning of the party, and also due to an 'order' issued by the state unit to 'dissolve' the district unit of the party.

Robert Rosario, founder convener, S Nandagopal, founder co-convener, Dharmendra, convener, Ajay Kumar, founder joint secretary and 13 others resigned from the party.

Announcing this at press meet at Janata Delux hall here, Nandagopal, said that the founding members of the party were miffed with the undemocratic manner by which the party's candidate for the Lok Sabha elections was selected, and the party's functioning post-elections. He added that earlier the members did not raise this issue so as not to tarnish the image of the party during elections or damage its chances. "The members feel that now is the appropriate time resign from the party as it won't do any damage," he said.

"We joined the party after being inspired by the anti-corruption movement, transparency and its stand on swaraj. But the candidate was chosen in a most undemocratic manner. A few noted state leaders nominated M R Vasudeva and this brought diffrences within the party before it went to elections," he said.

During the early days of the party, it garnered good response in the district with the launch of its membership drive at BEM school and online. However, the candidate failed to get more than 6,000 votes, which is much less than the number of members (12,000) of the party."

"The district unit that was set up, first of its kind in the country, but never enjoyed freedom as it was controlled by the state executive committee. The state committee after the elections virtually dissolved the district unit," he added.

He insisted that the decline of the party at the national level had nothing to do with the decision to resign. "The members will come back to the party if the party strengthens itself on the motto which it formulated during its launch," he said.

In a press release, the resigning members added, "It is unfortunate that the manner in which the party is heading post elections, wherein there seem to be absolutely no internal democracy and internal governing mechanism at the district level. While the party has been sabotaged by a few for their vested interests, the active members including most of the founding members are disillusioned with party leadership in the state which has consistently failed to proactively resolve the impending crisis in the party.

"The disintegration of the party in the district level began when the Lok Sabha candidate (M R Vasudeva) was announced without any consultation in the ground level, exhibiting total lack of internal democracy. The things became worse every following day as the candidate utterly failed in taking genuine party workers into confidence. The functioning of the party has gone off track totally and we feel that there is no point in our continuing in the party fold.

"We have written a letter to our National Convener, Arvind Kejriwal on the happenings in the district, which is copied to all concerned leaders in the state and national level. However, none have replied or reacted to it, proving that the leadership has ignored or not interested in the legitimate concerns of the party workers in the grass root level," the release stated.

Lambasting at M R Vasudeva, the release stated, "The party in the district has become a victim of continued conspiracy of a few led by the Lok Sabha candidate M R Vasudeva to gain control of the district unit in the most undemocratic manner."

"The resignation letter is being issued through the media as we fail to understand as to who is the authorized person to be addressed as the district unit has been dissolved as per an order issued by the state committee. The structure of the party has crumbled from the state level and hence we wish to issue this mass resignation to the media," the release stated.

 

Excerpts from AAP DK unit's letter to Kejriwal

In a letter addressed to party's national chief Arvind Kejriwal a day after the completion of Lok Sabha elections, the members had stated, "...it is sad that we have always been guided (rather misguided) by the Karnataka state committee which, today we are convinced, is merely the Bangalore taluk committee and by default (by virtue of being in Bangalore), our so called state committee. If at all there was internal democracy, the first voice of our members would have been satisfactorily responded. Our members felt that we need to field at least a few candidates for the local body (Mangalore City Corporation) elections that were due in March 2013. But a straight forward answer from the “State Committee” shut us down saying that the party was concentrating on Delhi Elections due in November. That was when we ventured into supporting a couple of independents but to no avail.

"Again, since we had no active role to play in the State Legislative Assembly elections in April-May, party volunteers showed least regard for building the party. The primary and active members led by the Executive Committee sprung into action now and then and the growth of the party was snail paced. The same time saw some bad patch in the administrative functioning of the party which led to the ouster of the founder convener and constitution of a new team of office bearers.

"We all were excited with the results of Delhi and there was sudden spurt of action in an unprecedented pace. On January 9, 2014, we witnessed an unexpected amount of enthusiasm as appreciable number of people turned out for the Membership drive. Coincidentally, again, Mangalore was the first in the country to start the membership drive before Delhi (which started on January 10). The reaction of public was volcanic as the party got a shot in the arm with support from all sections of the society.

"This was a phase of steady building of the party which was successfully halted by the wrongdoings and high handedness of one member (Rohan Shiri) who failed miserably in cultivating a cordial relationship with the new members who enthusiastically joined the party fold. The steady decline in the number of volunteers to the party office went unnoticed by the executive committee until it reached a threshold when complaints started pouring in regarding the mannerisms of the member in question who was managing the office affairs. The members of the executive committee chose to put things right and carry forward without taking action against the secretary who in turn along with his spouse (an advisory committee member) conspired to take control of the functioning of the district unit in all possible manner.

"All of a sudden, a person (however capable he is), who has never been identified with our party which has been in existence since one year, was para-dropped as the AAP candidate for Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency. A secret ploy that took each one of us by surprise. On enquiring, we found several negatives about the candidate but we were royally snubbed down by the “State Leadership”. We now feel that we were quite humble to have been obeying all that came from the state instead of asserting our opinions.

"It was too late to realise that we had not been taken into confidence and our goodness was exploited by the state convener in connivance with the Rohan Shiri. The National Executive Member Prithvi Reddy also stood by the defaulters and finally we were thrust upon by a candidate who failed to garner our support and confidence. Volunteers worked round the clock not for the candidate who has been 'Arrogance Personified’, but for the party which has been dear to them. “I am not here to solve your internal problems. I am here to contest the elections as a candidate and you better tow my line”, was the first statement of our MP Candidate which speaks volumes of the 'humility’ of this person."

The letter also states, "We are also sad at the manner in which the funds were utilised for the campaigning activities. Sad because, contrary to our objective of selfless and voluntary service which the party expects, we were no different from any other party in terms of paid volunteers. Further, the candidate (M R Vasudeva) has been leading some protests post elections without even discussing with the members who matter and thus trying to create groupism in the party with the sole intention of taking control of the party affairs following the election process.

"The post election scenario is even worse. The candidate Vasudeva had the audacity to go to the media and announce that he contesting from AAP was a 'mis-calculated’ move. He also went on to criticise the party structure terming it as 'fragile’ and 'marred with difference of opinions within’. When the active members took exception to his statements, he openly declared in the media that he was the 'district spokesperson’ and that any other’s opinions should not be entertained by the media. It is ironical that an MP candidate has declared himself as the spokesperson without the knowledge of any of the district active members or the core committee.

"He (Vasudeva) is washing his hands off for the dismal performance in the elections and blaming the party organisation. While the general opinion of the public is that the choice of the candidate itself was 'mis-calculated’. He is in connivance with few other members are openly working towards splitting the party, instead of building the party from the grass root level," the letter states.

  

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Comment on this article

  • G Bhandary, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 23 2014

    You have conveniently collected info about the bones received by ex-oil min but failed to know that the other so called clean (but bad mouthed) man's involvement in realty business in the heart of the city. There is a prominent builder who is a face of the modern revolutionist 'loan guru'. See the famous hotel near PVS circle and apartment built violating MCC rules.
    There is one follower of him who is a minister of Karnataka state govt now was exposed by speaker of assembly recently for his support to a rapist earlier.
    It is not fair to target only one guy (corrupt but developmental)due to your old personal issues.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya., Belman/Washington,DC.

    Tue, Jul 22 2014



    I support Janardhana Poojary because inspite all his other weaknesses he is not Corrupt like Moily...

    Looks like you are a Corruption supporter like many others in this forum...it reminds me dog waiting for bones ( Lady Goshen Hospital building and Karkala Town Hall building donation from Oil companies)...

    Good going wait for (Corruption) bones....you are fit for it...

    ...JH...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramdas Achar, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 21 2014

    By resigning all those dirty fellows, who were playing all sorts of dirty games to full down AAP, the AAP is now become a very clean party. Good going

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ethan, Florida\ Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 21 2014

    " man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.

    John Burroughs"

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • kodialda muthu, mangalore

    Mon, Jul 21 2014

    Dirty games! personal gain. Party put to shame! these members voted against party so feared to be expelled, instead resigned I suppose

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • D.P.SHETTY, Bahrain

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    For Crazy wala Aam (mango)season is over, now he will wait for banana season

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin Bhoja, Patte / Riyadh

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    Aam Aadmi Party now really counting it's Aam.s.s.(mango.s).

    DisAgree [7] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, mangalore

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    The people left AAP were not active from last 6 months in AAP DK. So these people leaving AAP wont make any difference in AAP DK. AAP is Best.. Baaki Sab Waste!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Narayanan Laxmanan, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    AAP.. many hard working n Honest members...
    But lack in the Art of Approach..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran, Mlore

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    There are many crap out there ..through Rohan Siri out ... . he was telling that MR Vasudeva would get minimum 2 laks vote..I told on his face try to get at lest 10,000 vote if you can ...
    Baccha..loge..dont even know how to campaign ..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lester Pinto, Mangalore-Chennai

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    OK. No point in crying over spilt milk. Let us give AAP DK Unit a solemn burial and sprinkle Goa Feny on its grave! CHEERS!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • M.K, Mulky/Sharjah

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    The world says Namo Namo. Wait for sometime.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fredrick Correa, Pernal/Mumbai

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    Shri Arvind Kejriwal started biting more than what he could chew. The success at Delhi made him over confident. No doubt he had some excellent candidates for the Lok Sabha but he should have proved himself first at Delhi or he should not have taken the "UNCONDITIONAL" support of Congress knowing very well, no party will give unconditional support, when the chips are down. The followers of AAP expected a far better performance than what it got in the election. I still feel AAP has a future. All the best to them.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Thomas Pascal Andrade, Valencia / Toronto

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Before the election many had expected AAP to win considerable seats, so joined the party in en masse. Now that they don’t see any “future” in the party, they are now leaving it en masse. After all who wants to remain in the sinking ship?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aam Aadmi, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Dear India Mangalore, by now you could have guessed this "Aam Aadmi"...appreciate your liking for the party...there are only 4 who moved out of the party. All 4 were power hungry, when they realised that the kitchen had better cooks they decided to quit. Agreed totally MRV wasn't the right candidate but, best available then, amidst the resigned. Best would have been like Mr. Kejriwal...these 4 could have got into AAP DK deeper and boosted the progress. They quit as they have no quality of a simple leader. Yes ASP DK still has lot in store...young n energetic still waiting...a clear road map is ahead is all set. This road map has no political agenda like the above people had in it. Purely for Aam Aadmi in Mangalore.
    Dear Mangaloreans ASP DK is a group of people like you n me, we need the mass power to stand up as we are still infants in this cruel political world. We need Mangaloreans blessing to fight corruption in our Dist. We worry about us, we love KUDLA

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • roshan, Maryhill

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    I am always with clean AAP and AK.. I expect all anti-corrupt ppl get United and rebuild AAP again in DK..

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEDDU, mangaluroo

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    A BIG LOOSERS OF THE CENTURY !!!!

    WHERE IS THAT ANNA HAJARE AND KAJARI NOW

    DisAgree [17] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Musthafa Ullal, Ullal

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    My heart still beats for Aam Aadmi Party. But not its current leaders in Mangalore. If I vote, I will vote for AAP only, not for Congi or BJP. However, its the leadership, which can make me to work for the party actively in future.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    AAP MLA's are available for a Song in Delhi and FEKU is exploiting ...

    DisAgree [49] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • J N Lobo, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Not for a song. The rate is 20 crores per head 1

    DisAgree [5] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • India, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Guys......

    It is easy to sit and throw things at others. Problem with we indians is that we sit and wait for others to do things for us. Atleast AAP had the courage to fight it out. Fighting and loosing is atleast better than doing nothing. Which many indians have been doing. If not India would not be such mess. Who are the REAL JOKERS .........SIR....??? I have seen AAP mangalore closely and what these guys are talking is real. Some power hungry people and vested interests are now trying to control and the system is totally out of order. I guess you need to personally check for yourself than making comments.

    The person who said that those two people in the pics were aspirants for MP candidates..... let him tell us what is Mr Vasudeva contribution to the party prior to the election...?? What kind of anti corruption activities he was involved in..??

    The ideology of the party was right...... but it was unable to put a system in place to check wrong people from entering. Mangalore is one such example

    DisAgree [3] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.M Shaikh, Dubai, Belapu, Kaup

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    RIP

    DisAgree [17] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    AAP was RIP when KejriGODE abruptly wind up DELHI operations(GOVT)It was a foolish and suicidal step Kejri's AAP took.Now it is very difficult bring AAP status que as of pre-MP election.Some are how BJP gained due to AAP's crusade against corruptions and particularly in DELHI MP seats.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, BAHRAIN

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Ismail Anna, onji dum sari pandar.....agree with you.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • ramesh, mangalore

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    AAP is trying to come to prominence ,like instant noodles, they want to be in power immediately without working long enough and establishing the trust of the people .Congress,Janata or BJP have taken a lot to evolve into thier present position,so AAP should have some patience ,unity and show some mettle before they come to power,nothing is late ,stop this bickering among yourselves,work with unity.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, BAHRAIN

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    At least Kejriwal is NOT corrupt like many many many many many other politicians in India.....lekin seasonal fruit ki tarah 'Fanah' hogaya AAP, so sad!!

    DisAgree [21] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Bangalore

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    I fail to understand that why media is wasting their precious time and space for AAP issues which are irrelevent for public/soceity.Chillar matter need to be ignored outright.

    DisAgree [33] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya., Belman/Washington,DC.

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    "Ask not what party(AAP) done for you...ask what you have done for the party(AAP)"...

    Bhandumaam could be new President of APE sorry AAP party...and win next elections hands down....

    Bhandumaam do you know why these people conduct their press conferences near bars???

    ...JH...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • G Bhandary, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 21 2014

    @ Langool achari ji, what happened to you. There were several posts by you pre-election where you were praising AAP. Why all of a sudden this U turn.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya., Belman/Washington,DC.

    Tue, Jul 22 2014

    I still support AAP even now....

    What makes you to think otherwise???

    Do I look like BJP/CONgress supporter to you???

    ...JH...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • G Bhandary, Mangalore

    Tue, Jul 22 2014

    @ Langoo ji, I dont think you a supporter of BJP/Cong but more precisely a 'Yedebidangi'. You praise J Poojary though he has not contributed anything to the development of this region, but meanwhile you blame Moily despite doing many good things to Karnataka during his tenure as CM.
    Langool, be faithful to your soul than playing with fabricated facts.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    I had predicted long time back - AAP is a bunch of NAUTANKIS ...

    DisAgree [52] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Bangalore

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Jossey mamu,You also predicted that Yuvaraja and his maa will rule India again......

    DisAgree [9] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Austin, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    First of all not understanding the head and tail of AAP and then giving such sarcastic remarks about AAP. It looks like you are a joker among this group who post messages here. Get a life!!!

    DisAgree [8] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aam Aadmi Mangalore, Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    These 2 seen were aspiring for a MP seat. Since it did not happen they have decided to resign. The above is just a publicity stunt by the people seen in the picture. Fortunately this will not affect AAP in any ways. AAP DK has more serious people than the once in the picture. We are very optimistic about our positive growth in this region.

    DisAgree [24] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Christopher DCunha, M'lore/AUH

    Sat, Jul 19 2014

    Let's have educated, smart and intelligent people in AAP.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • naveen, dubai

    Sun, Jul 20 2014

    Ruzaram,

    Today Sunday !!! Dukramas & batli pooro ki munon amka kityhak AAP ani TAAP.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse


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