An Open Letter To Medha Patkar

Respected Medha ji,
Greetings. I’ve learnt from newspaper reports that you’re contesting the Lok Sabha election as a candidate of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

While certainly there are some positive aspects of AAP and I’ve myself noticed the dedication of some of its activists, at the same time there are several questionable aspects of AAP’s quick rise to fame and success. Leaving these aside for the time being, I’ll like to draw your attention only to what Sh. Arvind Kejriwal said while addressing the National Council Meet of the Confederation of Indian Industry in Delhi on February 17.

As reported in the Indian Express next day, Sh. Kejriwal said, “Government has no business doing business, it only has to govern. Business should all be held by the private sector.”

Am I right in interpreting this to mean very little role for public sector, if any, and huge room for privatisation of essential goods and services?

Also, as the Indian Express reported, “Kejriwal clarified his party is against crony capitalism not capitalism.” Kejriwal “praised industrialists as the real engines of growth and appealed to them to become party to the revolution.”

Am I right in understanding that this vision is very different from what you’ve articulated all your life?

As someone who has played a very modest but at the same time very consistent role in supporting (as a writer) the various movements with which you were associated, I hope that I understand correctly that you are firmly opposed to capitalism and your life is devoted to finding genuine alternatives to capitalism.

Many who believe in alternative paths of development eagerly look forward to your views on basic issues. We look forward to receiving your views about standing in election as a candidate of a political party whose top most leaders has openly embraced capitalism.

With good wishes
Bharat Dogra
C-27 Raksha Kunj, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi- 110063
Tel: 25255303

Recent Posts

  • Featured

Delhi’s Toxic Air Rises, So Does The Crackdown On Protesters

Delhi’s air may be growing more toxic by the day — but on Sunday, authorities appeared to view a peaceful…

1 week ago
  • Featured

A Celebration of Philately Leaves Its Stamp On Enthusiasts In MP

The 14th State Level Philatelic Exhibition, MAPPEX-2025, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle, was held in Bhopal from November…

1 week ago
  • Featured

Groundwater Management In South Asia Must Put Farmers First

South Asia accounts for 50% of the groundwater pumped for irrigation globally. The practice has been critical to ensuring food…

1 week ago
  • Featured

What The Sheikh Hasina Verdict Reveals About Misogyny In South Asia

Earlier this week, news came in that ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death – by…

2 weeks ago
  • Featured

Documentaries Rooted In Land, Water & Culture Shine At DIFF

At the 14th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival, three documentaries stood out for the way they portrayed the…

2 weeks ago
  • Featured

Electoral Roll Revision Is Sparking Widespread Social Anxieties

The Special Intensive Revision of the voters list across 12 Indian states could potentially lead to sharpening of the communal…

2 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.