AAP holds sixth national council meeting

NEW DELHI: The sixth National Council meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was held on Thursday, wherein office bearers from all over the country participated. Members of the party discussed several national issues and passed resolutions unanimously.

Addressing the meet at Alipur here, national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the AAP government in Delhi is working strongly in public interest and, whenever needed, the party also confronts the central government.

Earlier, senior party leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who chaired the meet, apprised the members about various works and achievements of the AAP government in Delhi.

Unlike in the past, Kumar Vishwas was not a listed speaker at the annual meeting, attended by more than 300 party leaders from across the country. He was also not seated on the dais with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other senior leaders, and sat amongst the delegates.

Office bearers from states were also briefed about party structure and its activities in different parts of the country. Further, national spokesperson Sanjay Singh and senior leader Ashutosh put various national issues and after discussing each issue, the gathering unanimously passed resolutions on them.

One of the resolutions passed condemned the Centre, alleging that it has created an 'undeclared emergency' like environment.

"Murder of 'fearless' journalists, putting pressure on TV channels and newspapers editors to present news in favour of the Centre is direct attack on the freedom of expression," said the resolution.

Another resolution sought installation of VVPAT machines in all upcoming elections. The party also condemned hindrance in working of the elected government in Delhi by the Centre through the Lieutenant Governor.

Meanwhile, in an economic resolution, the party expressed concern on the declining growth rate of the economy, alleging that due to the Centre's 'anti-people' policies, the country continues to withstand the side effects of demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax.

"Reduced interest rate of banks has helped large loan defaulters and has harmed small investors," the resolution noted. The resolution demanded public apology from the Centre for 'fraud' in the name of note ban.

Meanwhile, commotion erupted on Thursday evening after the meeting concluded, as supporters of Vishwas and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan raised slogans and counter-slogans.

Earlier this week, AAP revoked the suspension of Khan, who had faced disciplinary action in May after he called Vishwas, the party's Rajasthan in-charge, a "BJP agent".

Vishwas had alleged that Khan represented those who wanted to destroy AAP.