Bhushan, Yadav hint at forming own political party

A day after launching "Swaraj Abhiyan" - a non-political movement - to establish "swaraj" (self-rule) in the country's cultural, political, economic and social fields, dissident AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan on Wednesday hinted at forming their own political party subject to the success of their movement.

Addressing the media here, Bhushan said: "At present we are fighting against the fact that the AAP has deviated from its founding principles. But there is a possibility that this movement is transformed into a political party."

However, Bhushan said it was possible only if their movement continued to follow the principle of swaraj "one or two years' down the line".

"The final decision would be taken only after the campaign's success is analysed in a couple of years' time," he said.

The two leaders - sacked from the AAP's national executive on March 28 - also clarified that they were still a part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) because they still believed in the party's founding principles unlike others.

"Swaraj Samvad is not a political party or an NGO. We will be under the RTI," Yadav said.

The leaders further said "Swaraj Samvad" - an open dialogue that was held on Tuesday which led to the forming of "Swaraj Abhiyan" -- was neither a political party nor an NGO, Yadav said the movement would have "collective leadership" and would not be "individual" centric.

In an apparent reference to AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Yadav said: "We will have collective leadership -- it will not be about an individual."

Yadav also said swaraj yatras (tours) would be held across the country through which the message of "alternative politics" would be disseminated. "We will form a new agenda and work in accordance," he added.

Meanwhile, a steering committee for the "Swaraj Abhiyan" would also be formed that would be headed by Anand Kumar.

"A steering committee would be formed for 'Swaraj Abhiyan' which would take all decisions in the next six months. It would have 100 members," Yadav said.

Kumar also called upon all AAP members as well as other individuals who were feeling "disgruntled" with the working of their leaders to come and join their movement.

"I invite all those volunteers and members of AAP who are disgruntled with their leadership and are feeling betrayed. They can come call on our helpline - 7210222333 and join us," Kumar said.

The AAP's political affairs committee is meeting at Kejriwal's residence and will take a call on Yadav and Bhushan's future in the party. It is being speculated that the two leaders will be expelled from the party.