The Aam Aadmi Party in Odisha has received a severe jolt with prominent farmer leader Lingaraj announcing to strengthen Swaraj Abhiyan, launched by the expelled party leader Yogendra Yadav.
Mr. Lingaraj had earlier quit the party stating that the party under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal had betrayed the hopes generated due to people’s immense goodwill for an alternative politics by exhibiting utter arrogance.
Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he said: “We have resolved to be a part of ‘Swaraj Abhiyan’ and strengthen it at the national level led by Prashant Bhusan, Yogendra Yadav et al and endeavour to bring together all like-minded individuals and forces at the State level for a platform of alternative politics.”
“The ideals of Swaraj have been muzzled on the altar of power seeking politics only. The historic necessity to formulate the policy and perspective of a formative political party has been thrown to dustbin by throwing out the leaders who were entrusted with the responsibility for the same. The present AAP has metamorphosed into a party devoid of democratic values, internal democracy, idealistic politics and goal of Swaraj,” Mr. Lingaraj said.
Mr. Lingaraj, who contested on AAP ticket from Baragarh Lok Sabha constituency, is the only leader having mass base. He has been leading farmer movement in western Odisha district for past two decades.
