Assertion
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which made an impressive debut in the recently concluded Delhi Assembly elections, was founded on an ostensible platform of crusading against corruption in public life.
Of the various promises it made to the electorate in its manifesto, two issues are prominent because they continue to affect the daily lives of Delhi citizens: power and water.
1. AAP promises a reduction of consumers’ electricity expenditure by 50%.
2. Households using up to 700 litres of water (per day) would be given free water.
Because transparency is one of the paramount factors to ensure a clean public life, those aspiring for office on this very platform must practice what they preach and promise. The following facts will reveal where key member of the AAP stand in this regard.
Facts
The following table shows the electricity and water dues owed by various members of the AAP. Click the graphic for the full size view.
The following table shows the names of AAP candidates who have reported no income but owe various dues. Click the graphic for the full size view.
Data appearing in both tables are derived from http://myneta.info.
Verdict
It is clear from the above facts that the AAP does not practice what it preaches. Its prominent members including its founder and head, Arvind Kejriwal owe money to the Government, apart from having criminal cases filed against them. Additionally, some of its members earn no income and have declared that they are unemployed, yet owe money. Others have declared no income at all, prompting the question: how do they survive?
Most importantly, given all this, how can the electorate repose trust in such people who are not exactly above the board? And what does it say about their claims that: (a) they are not like other, established political parties, and (b) they are committed to fighting and eradicating corruption.
IndiaFacts verdict: the claim that the Aam Aadmi Party is committed to eradicating corruption in public life is False.
IndiaFacts Staff articles, reports and guest pieces