‘Tough to get any work done, everyone unapproachable’: Two councillors on why they quit AAP, joined BJP

Ram Chander, a former MLA who won the Bawana by-elections in 2017, expressed his frustration. “From AAP’s ministers to their watchmen, everyone was unapproachable… there was no work taking place, so the people would complain, and there was no help to ensure those complaints were addressed. I’m hopeful that BJP leaders will be more approachable in resolving these issues and in getting work done.”

Chander also voiced his dissatisfaction with the AAP for not giving him a ticket in the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. “After winning the by-elections in 2017, I worked extremely hard in my assembly constituency, Bawana. Despite my hard work, the seat was given to someone else… Hard work is not being valued in the AAP,” he alleged.

Mamta, a first-time councillor from Harkesh Nagar ward, said it was becoming difficult for her to address the issues of people. “When we became councillors, it was because we wanted to work for the welfare of the people. Since work is not getting done, the people are upset with us, and rightly so… it was very difficult to address the issues being faced in our wards,” she said.

These defections come at a crucial time as the long-delayed ward committee elections, which have been stalled for 18 months due to a standoff between the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP, are soon to be held. The elections of these 12 ward committees will determine the leadership of the powerful standing committee that acts as the civic body’s financial muscle.

AAP insiders, meanwhile, agreed that there was some dissatisfaction among councillors as the senior leadership has not been “accessible” over the past few months.

“Councillors have raised concerns that their voices are not being heard and their access to senior party leaders is being blocked. Manish Sisodia ji was supposed to meet all councillors after coming out of jail but this meeting was cancelled. The councillors want to share their problems with the leaders but feel they are not being heard,” a leader said.

Sisodia held a meeting with MLAs and at least two with senior leaders of the party since he was released.

In Monday’s meeting with party leaders, the exit of councillors was discussed but the focus remained on the strategy for assembly polls, another leader said. “The exit of councillors is worrying for sure but this is happening because of pressure and inducements by BJP leaders. Once people have left, it is easy to criticise the party… Many groups of councillors have met with the senior leadership, including Sisodia ji. A collective meeting may not have happened but he has always been very accessible,” the leader said.

Another senior leader said the councillors who jumped ship had done so due to “threats”. “The BJP is spreading this propaganda of more AAP leaders seeking to go over to them to intimidate and manipulate councillors and AAP MLAs. This is clear for everyone to see,” the leader said.