AAP Floats Student Wing ‘ASAP’, Kejriwal Vows Platform for ‘Alternative Politics’
New Delhi – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday formally entered the arena of student politics with the launch of its dedicated student wing, the ‘Association of Students for Alternative Politics’ (ASAP). Addressing a gathering at the Constitution Club, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal positioned ASAP as a vehicle for India’s youth to engage in and reshape the country's political discourse, marking the first time such an organisation has been constituted by the party since its formation.
“This isn’t just a student organization; it’s a launchpad for a generation that will redefine politics and work for the country,” Kejriwal declared, underscoring his vision for ASAP to champion an "alternative politics" free from what he termed the "education mafias" and systemic issues plaguing the nation. He asserted that the "mainstream politics of the past 75 years is the root cause of all problems in India."
The launch event was attended by a phalanx of senior AAP leaders, including Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj, national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda, MP Gurmeet Singh, Punjab MLA Anmol Gagan Mann, senior leader Awadh Ojha, and MLA Janarail Singh, signifying the party's concerted push to cultivate a youth-led political alternative.
In a direct address to students from across the country, Kejriwal offered a sharp critique of the prevailing political culture. “Every country faces challenges, but today India is facing basic problems. People don’t have food, there’s no education, no access to healthcare,” he stated, attributing these persistent issues, 75 years after independence, to the failures of "mainstream politics."
“That same old model is what we call mainstream politics—and it is the root of all of India’s problems," Kejriwal explained. "Every issue in our lives is touched by politics... That’s why the youth must join politics, engage with it, and take responsibility for it.”
He contrasted this with AAP's governance in Delhi and Punjab, which he presented as a template for "alternative politics." “In Delhi, for 10 years, and now in Punjab, we have shown what alternative politics looks like. We believe there should be good schools,” Kejriwal said, accusing the BJP, which he stated had recently taken administrative control in Delhi, of undermining the educational progress made by his party. "In 10 years, we destroyed the education mafia in Delhi... But in just three months of BJP rule in Delhi, all private schools are hiking fees again. Schools are hiring bouncers to stop children from entering if they can’t pay."
Kejriwal also highlighted the issue of electricity supply, claiming, “During our 10-year rule in Delhi, we ensured 24x7 electricity. That is alternative politics. But now, with the BJP in power, Delhi is facing 3-4 hour-long power cuts again.”
The AAP chief further accused the BJP and Congress of thriving on communal division. “The world is moving towards Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, these people are busy teaching our children Hindu-Muslim 24x7... AAP’s politics is about uniting 140 crore people to make India the number one country in the world.”
Kejriwal clarified that ASAP’s mandate would extend beyond merely contesting student elections, which he noted occur in only a small fraction of colleges. “Contesting elections is not student politics, it’s just part of it—ASAP will build social & cultural groups in schools & colleges to unite students through ideas & creativity, paving way for alternative politics in country,” he envisioned. He expressed hope that "a new generation will rise—one that works for the nation and changes the definition of politics."
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia echoed Kejriwal’s sentiments, declaring, “AAP has launched its students’ wing with a new vision and fresh thinking. Just like AAP, ASAP will speak the language of alternative politics.” Sisodia, known for his work in education reform, lamented the current state of education in India, stating, "Globally, nursery and kindergarten children are being mapped using AI for individualized learning... while in India, 75 years after freedom, we’re still teaching typing and cut-copy-paste to Class 11 and 12 students." He asserted that ASAP would become "the face, the mind, and the voice of education reform across India."
AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj affirmed the party’s commitment to the new student wing. “We envision a forum where youth can channel their energy, driven by patriotism and a desire to serve the country and society. The leadership will rest in students’ hands.”
Anurag Dhanda, AAP’s National Media In-Charge, emphasized the broader role of student organisations. “Student politics isn’t just about contesting elections – it’s about social work, civic engagement, and understanding democracy,” he said.
Punjab MLA Anmol Gagan Maan stressed the transformative potential of youth. “It’s always the youth who bring revolution and transformation,” she remarked, crediting Kejriwal for providing young people with genuine opportunities.
MP Gurmeet Singh described ASAP as a platform to "alter the country’s trajectory," while senior leader Awadh Ojha drew parallels with historical student movements like "Young Italy" and "Young Bengal," hoping ASAP would "awaken the Indian public and strengthen democracy."
The launch of ASAP is being seen as a significant step by the Aam Aadmi Party to broaden its base and instill its ideology of "alternative politics" among the nation's student population, aiming to foster a new generation of leaders focused on development, education, and national unity.