The convention of rebel AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan began this morning with volunteers from across the country terming it a day of “new beginning” even as the Arvind Kejriwal-led party warned of action against those attending the event.
Yadav and Bhushan had announced their decision of holding the dialogue, ‘Swaraj Samwad’, to discuss the future course of action after their expulsion from AAP’s top echelons, triggering speculations of floating a new party.
The Quint’s Aviral Virk is reporting live from the spot. Follow her on Twitter at @Aviral_Virk.
Here are the updates:
5pm:
Yogendra Yadav at #SwarajSamwad:
- We have to set a model, show everyone that politics can be done without compromising principles
- The easiest way forward is to go to EC and form a party, but we will not take the easy route
- We have to become optimistic.We have to forget everything and start fresh
2:30 pm:
12 pm:
Key leaders who were seen on stage include the four expelled members from AAP’s National Executive--Yadav, Bhushan, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha--Timarpur MLA Pankaj Pushkar and several Lok Sabha candidates from various states.
11 am:
Admiral Ramdas to Swaraj Samvad attendees via video message:
We have fallen prey to undemocratic behaviour. Dirty linen is being washed in public to the media’s delight. Swaraj Samwad cannot be construed as anti-party activity.
Admiral Ramdas’ listed three options:
1. Reunite
2. Apologise
3. Split in a civil way without any negativity
10 am:
Yadav told reporters “I am sure we would witness something new here”.
It’s a day of new beginning. AAP Constitution gives an ordinary member of the party, the freedom of expression which no other party gives and if the workers are using that freedom I am sure the party would respect it. I am not sure if the party has changed its own constitution.
- Yogendra Yadav
However, AAP has said it has not sanctioned the event and has warned that it will take the strictest action against those AAP members who attend the convention.
The party also stated that it will be monitoring the convention closely.