AAP Launches Students’ Wing to Promote Alternative Politics

New Delhi: Marking a significant step toward expanding its national presence, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched its students’ wing — the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP) — on Tuesday. The initiative is aimed at engaging young voters and building support among student communities across the country.

In a rare public appearance since the Delhi Assembly elections in February, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal addressed students from Delhi University, Indraprastha University, and also from states like Punjab and Gujarat. He emphasized the importance of alternative politics and called upon the youth to be active participants in shaping the nation’s future.

“We want to make people question the superiority of mainstream politics and understand the value of AAP’s alternative approach,” Kejriwal said. He explained that ASAP will organize student groups to hold discussions, cultural events, and social activities, thereby offering platforms for students to connect with real societal issues.

Highlighting some of the nation’s ongoing challenges, Kejriwal said, “Even after 75 years of Independence, we still face problems like inadequate food, poor healthcare, and lack of quality education. The politics of today is responsible for these basic issues.” He added that AAP’s model treats the poor and rich equally and works towards bridging that gap.

Kejriwal criticized both the Congress and BJP, labeling their approach as harmful “mainstream politics.” Referring to the recent governance in Delhi under the BJP-led administration, he said the city has seen a return of power cuts, rising private school fees, and a decline in the quality of government schools.

“Politics affects everything in our lives — from power supply to education and job opportunities. Yet many students, especially from middle-class families, choose to stay away from politics,” Kejriwal remarked. “We need to change that mindset. You cannot remain untouched by politics because it shapes the quality of your life.”

Citing AAP’s governance model in Delhi and Punjab, he pointed to improvements in public education and healthcare systems under their leadership. He claimed that during AAP’s 10-year rule in Delhi, there was uninterrupted electricity, something which he said has changed under the new government.

He also criticized private schools in the capital for raising fees arbitrarily and employing bouncers to restrict entry of students who couldn’t pay. Referring to an incident at a prominent private school in Dwarka, he said, “This is the return of the education mafia that we had dismantled.”

In conclusion, Kejriwal encouraged students to view politics not as a dirty game, but as a powerful tool for change. “You must join politics, understand it, and work to make it better. That’s the only way we can build a just and equitable India,” he said.