AAP struggling for an identity in west UP

Contrary to expectations, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has not been able to field a single candidate of repute from any of the parliamentary constituencies of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Firozabad and Hathras in western Uttar Pradesh, activists said Monday.

The only popular face is from Aligarh where the party has fielded a local poet and activist Sabir Rahi.

AAP has announced the names of Ravindra Singh, 36, an MBA for the Agra city (reserved) seat while farmer and 12th class passout Mahavir Singh Solanki has been fielded from Fatehpur Sikri (Agra rural seat).

The party claims to have about 60,000 members in Agra.

"Though there is a lot of hype and euphoria about the AAP, particularly its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, but the party's failure to find people of stature to halt the march of elephant (Bahujan Samaj Party), cycle (Samajwadi Party or the Modi juggernaut (Bharatiya Janata Party), will cost it dear," said activist Sudershan Dua.

Activist Anand Rai said: "If they had given a serious thought, they would have found several well-known faces. The two candidates fielded are neither known for any serious social work, nor look politically trained. No problem about losing seats, but how badly one loses is a matter of concern."

Agra was among the few cities in north India where India Against Corruption was launched in January 2011. A series of agitations and marches drew encouraging response from the people.

"Among the younger generation, especially students and first-time voters, there is tremendous interest and curiosity in the AAP. The national leadership should have taken into account the local sentiments and accordingly fielded candidates of some repute. But, obviously there has been a huge communication gap," said activist Padmini.