Chicago NRIs meet extends support to Kejriwal's party

A group of Indian-Americans from as many as 20 cities held a meeting in Chicago over the weekend and extended full support to the political movement of change being spearheaded by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by social activist Arvind Kejriwal.

In a resolution at the first convention of AAP USA on May 18, Indian-American supporters of Kejriwal said non-residents have a crucial role to play in the political movement being spearheaded by the anti-graft activist.

"We NRIs (Non-resident Indians) and PIOs (People of Indian origin) look with great interest at this political experiment and extend full support to Aam Aadmi Party that wants to change the culture of politics in India," said the resolution which was introduced before the convention by its member Munish Raizada.

"As a community, we have our own expectations from the government. Thus, it is crucial that political class do justice to our country keeping in mind that India has a long history of glory, richness and civilization and all that needs to reclaimed," the resolution said.

Addressing his supporters through a live video conference, Kejriwal spoke about AAP's role in India's growth and the role that non-resident Indians can play in furthering this cause.

Optimistic about India's future, Kejriwal said he believes AAP could be the catalyst that can bring change in the country by redefining the rules of politics.

He stressed on the importance of decentralization in governance which would empower the "aam aadmi", or the common man.

Two AAP leaders - Kumar Vishaws and Yogendra Yadav - addressed the first convention in Chicago which was attended by Indian-Americans from as many as 20 cities, organisers said.

Yadav said polity has failed to take the key ideals of democracy- "of the people, by the people and for the people" to the grassroots.

As such India needs a new vision that is all inclusive. AAP is committed to begin this transformation to participatory democracy by being truly democratic in its own set-up, taking measures such as eliminating the concept of a high command, ensuring a bottom-up approach in candidate selection, transparency in its finances and appointing an independent ombudsman, he said.

Raizada, a member of organizing committee of AAP USA convention, said such a convention would be an annual event and the next convention would be in New Jersey.