Medha Patkar announces support to AAP

In a boost to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in Maharashtra, social activist Medha Patkar on Monday extended her "complete" support to the fledging party.

"We extend our complete support to Aam Aadmi Party. AAP has included fighting corruption in its agenda, while we have been fighting corruption through Adarsh (housing society scam) and Lavasa," Patkar told reporters in Mumbai.

"We have studied their (AAP's) documents and we have found that micro to macro-economic view point is more or less reflected into it. We will further continue with the dialogue and would like to contribute our views in not just the manifesto but also in the working culture and their working documents," the 59-year-old social activist said.

Patkar, known for her work in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, a movement that is fighting against the construction of large dams on Narmada river in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, also said that she would further announce the future course of action about the role she will play in AAP, after holding discussions with senior AAP leaders on January 16 and 17.

Attributing the work done by the movements led by Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal on the Jan Lokpal Bill, she said, "The anti-corruption movement has really shown a way."

Slamming the political parties for indulging in corruption, she said, "We do not consider electoral politics as untouchable."

"We see this party as part of our agenda. With dialogue and deliberations we have decided to support the AAP actively. Active support will be based on both ideological commonality and clarity," Patkar said.

Welcoming the support from Patkar, AAP leader Mayank Gandhi said one needs to go inside (electoral politics) to carry forward the agitation and people's struggle.

"It is a big day for us. The revolution will become bigger," said another AAP leader Anjali Damania.

Image: Medha Patkar sitting alongside AAP leader Mayank Gandhi during a press conference in Mumbai on Monday

Photograph: Sahil Salvi