Arvind Kejriwal launches AAP’s student wing ‘ASAP’—Association of Students for Alternative Politics

In a bold political pivot, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)  National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday relaunched the party’s student wing with a new name and mission—Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP)—promising to turn student activism into a force for national transformation. Declaring that “mainstream politics of the past 75 years is the root cause of all problems in India,” Arvind Kejriwal pitched ASAP as the vanguard of a new political culture—one free from education mafias and grounded in equity and reform.

“This isn’t just a student organization; it’s a launchpad for a generation that will redefine politics and work for the country,” said the AAP Chief at the Constitution Club. The event was attended by 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—affirming the party’s commitment to nurturing a youth-led political alternative.

Launching the logo of AAP’s student wing at the Constitution Club, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal addressed students from across the country in a powerful call to transform India’s political landscape. He presented a sharp critique of the status quo, contrasting it with AAP’s model of alternative politics. “I am very happy to launch ASAP, the student wing of the Aam Aadmi Party. What is alternative politics and what is mainstream politics? Every country faces challenges, but today India is facing basic problems. People don’t have food, there’s no education, no access to healthcare.”

The AAP Supremo pointed out that even 75 years after independence, India doesn’t have enough hospitals, medicines, roads. There is widespread unemployment. No one is happy—businesses are struggling, women are distressed, students are dissatisfied. Industries are collapsing. The root of all these problems is the politics of today—the politics we call ‘mainstream politics.

Arvind Kejriwal explained that for 75 years, the country has been governed by the same political paradigm followed by Congress, BJP, and others. “That same old model is what we call mainstream politics—and it is the root of all of India’s problems. Every issue in our lives is touched by politics. Whether electricity reaches your home, whether it’s affordable or not, whether government jobs are available or not—everything is political. That’s why the youth must join politics, engage with it, and take responsibility for it.”

The AAP Chief held up the AAP’s performance in Delhi and Punjab as the 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. But those following mainstream politics believe there shouldn’t be good schools. We believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare. In 10 years, we built hundreds of excellent schools and stopped private schools from hiking fees.”

He noted that it’s been barely three months since BJP took over Delhi, and they’ve started wrecking government schools. Parents and children are raising the alarm on social media. Even the Schools of Specialised Excellence—our best schools—are being destroyed. That’s because quality schools are not part of mainstream politics. In alternative politics, every child—rich or poor—deserves quality education.”

Arvind Kejriwal added, “In 10 years, we destroyed the education mafia in Delhi. It wasn’t easy. We faced threats. We had to summon courage to take on owners of big private schools. For 10 years, they couldn’t raise fees. 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. This is the tyranny of mainstream politics. In mainstream politics, the education mafia rules and keeps poor children out. In alternative politics, rich or poor, all children get equal education.”

On the electricity front, Arvind Kejriwal pointed to a sharp decline under BJP’s administration. “During our 10-year rule in Delhi, we ensured 24×7 electricity. That is alternative politics. But now, with the BJP in power, Delhi is facing 3-4 hour-long power cuts again. Before us, Congress had power-sharing deals with electricity companies. We stopped those companies’ arbitrariness. But just three months after the AAP not being in the government, those companies are back to their old tricks. That is the politics of Congress and BJP—mainstream politics.”

The AAP Head drew a stark contrast between India’s aspirations and the divisiveness being stoked by mainstream parties. “The world is moving towards Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, these people are busy teaching our children Hindu-Muslim 24×7. Their own children are studying abroad, but they hand sticks to the children of common people and send them to mosques to incite hate. 

This is the BJP-Congress model of mainstream politics. In contrast, AAP’s politics is about uniting 140 crore people to make India the number one country in the world. These parties are looting public funds. In Delhi, they spent ₹250 crore per kilometre to build roads. That’s the cost of their corruption.”

He continued, “They’ve handed over everything—airports, railway stations, skies, land, even the underworld—to one friend. Both parties are knee-deep in corruption. That’s mainstream politics. Alternative politics means saving every rupee of public money, using it for public good, and governing with honesty.”

Arvind Kejriwal also reminded students of AAP’s founding ideals. “When AAP was formed, people said it’s impossible to win elections honestly. You need black money. But we proved that elections can be won with honesty and by winning the hearts of people. Violence, hooliganism, vote fraud—this is mainstream politics. Winning hearts and winning clean is alternative politics. Putting dissenters in jail is mainstream politics. Giving space to opposing views is alternative politics. Threats, abuse, violence, intimidation—that’s their way. Our way is to take India forward through love, development, and integrity.”

Arvind Kejriwal warned students not to be co-opted by the toxic environment in college campuses. “When a 16–17-year-old enters college, they’re full of idealism and the desire to serve society. But they see student politics full of violence and intimidation—and many fall into that trap. ASAP has been created to change this. Student politics should not be just about elections. In fact, elections happen in only 5% of colleges. ASAP will form discussion, social, and cultural groups across campuses. It will create opportunities for youth to engage in community and civic activities.”

Arvind Kejriwal expressed hope for a generational transformation. “Through ASAP, we will create an atmosphere across colleges in India that will compel people to reflect on the difference between alternative and mainstream politics. We believe a day will come when even today’s mainstream parties will be forced to adopt AAP’s model of alternative politics. One day, alternative politics will become the mainstream. A new generation will rise—one that works for the nation and changes the definition of politics. Today, politics is seen as a dirty word—we will change that. Politics rooted in development, love, and unity must become the new mainstream.”

ASAP Will Become the Face, Mind and Voice of Education Reform Across India: Manish Sisodia

Declaring ASAP the new national force for alternative politics and education reform, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “AAP has launched its students’ wing with a new vision and fresh thinking. Just like AAP, ASAP will speak the language of alternative politics. Every policy and political reform this country needs today – ASAP represents that change.”

Manish Sisodia sharply criticised the state of education in post-Independence India, stating, “Arvind Kejriwal often says that not a single state government since Independence has devoted an entire term solely to the cause of education. Globally, nursery and kindergarten children are being mapped using AI for individualized learning and development, while in India, 75 years after freedom, we’re still teaching typing and cut-copy-paste to Class 11 and 12 students on computers.”

Calling ASAP a national necessity, Manish Sisodia emphasized, “Everyone must remember ASAP. We don’t have time. It’s time for a revolution.” Reflecting on the party’s journey so far, he said, “AAP today is synonymous with alternative politics. When one talks about education, AAP is the first name that comes to mind, and when AAP is mentioned, education is the first policy area people associate us with.”

“ASAP is not just for students who want to contest elections on an AAP ticket,” he added. “There are approximately 8 crore students in India pursuing degrees and diplomas across 50,000 colleges and universities, but only 5% of these institutions hold student union elections. Our vision is that one day, ASAP Presidents and Secretaries will be elected in every college and university across the country.”

Manish Sisodia stated that ASAP’s mission is to instill deep-rooted patriotism among college and university students. “Whenever AAP has had the chance to govern, we’ve prioritised education reform. But we must recognise that political parties and governments alone cannot deliver reform. The real change will emerge from among the students themselves. 

Today’s students are the most high-tech generation ever. ASAP must examine and raise its voice on where our education system is falling short.”Citing the need for global standards, he said, “What new methods are being used to teach math, social sciences, and languages in modern universities? Why can’t those methods be adopted at Delhi University or other Indian institutions? 

Why shouldn’t the research from a California university be taught in Punjab or Gujarat universities? ASAP must raise such questions. Once ASAP begins championing education reform, all political parties will be compelled to act. It will become the face, the mind, and the voice of education reform across India. This is not a conventional party initiative; it is a platform for alternative politics.”

ASAP Will Be a Forum for Patriotism and Purpose: Saurabh Bharadwaj

AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj affirmed the party’s strong backing for the initiative: “We will support students to the greatest extent possible. We envision a forum where youth can channel their energy, driven by patriotism and a desire to serve the country and society. The student organisation will lead from the front, and AAP will support it from behind. The leadership will rest in students’ hands, and they will run the organisation their own way.”

ASAP Is About More Than Elections – It’s About Social Action and Democratic Awareness: Anurag Dhanda

Anurag Dhanda, AAP’s National Media In-Charge, hailed the launch of ASAP as the beginning of a powerful movement. “I am confident that this organisation will work hard to achieve its goals. Under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, this platform will guide students and strengthen democracy. We will all work together to reach these shared objectives.”

He debunked the common misconception that student politics is only about elections: “India has over 50,000 colleges, yet only 5% conduct student union elections. That doesn’t mean student organisations aren’t needed in the rest. Student politics isn’t just about contesting elections – it’s about social work, civic engagement, and understanding democracy. This builds the foundation for students to become responsible citizens and active participants in democratic governance.”

Young People Full of Passion Are the Drivers of Revolution and Change: Anmol Gagan Maan

Former Punjab Minister and MLA Anmol Gagan Maan emphasised the power of youth. “It’s always the youth who bring revolution and transformation – because they possess energy, idealism, and a burning passion for the nation. Why has India lagged behind even after Independence? Because politicians have focused only on voters aged 50 and above. Meanwhile, the 20-35 age group remains disconnected from voting.”

“Arvind Kejriwal is the first leader to give young people real opportunities. I am living proof of that,” she said. Quoting John F. Kennedy, she added: “‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ Change won’t come from social media commentary. Youth must organise.”

ASAP Offers Youth a Chance to Change the Direction of the Country: Gurmeet Singh

AAP MP from Punjab, Gurmeet Singh, echoed these sentiments, calling ASAP a platform for new politics. “This is a break from the politics of compromise and settlement. Youth who join this initiative will get an opportunity to alter the country’s trajectory. 

Arvind Kejriwal has pioneered a new political model that has challenged dynastic rule. This is a space for youth who want to challenge the status quo. Politics is not just about becoming an MLA or MP. It influences education, jobs, and even basic infrastructure like electricity. If youth stay away from politics, they will have no say in shaping the future of the country.”

ASAP Aims to Make People Feel That They Hold the Reins of Power”: Awadh Ojha

Senior leader Awadh Ojha underlined the foundational principles of democracy. “Democracy is the greatest philosophy in the world. Mahatma Gandhi didn’t lead the freedom movement by picking up arms, but by awakening the people. Today, what this country needs most is for every citizen to understand that the power of governance lies in their hands – and they must know what to demand from those in power.”

Awadh Ojha lauded the AAP government’s unprecedented efforts in education reform, calling Manish Sisodia the architect of that transformation. “ASAP’s mission is to make the people feel that they are the true rulers of this nation, and that they must demand their rights from the government.”

He invoked global history to show the transformative power of student movements, referencing Giuseppe Mazzini’s “Young Italy Movement” and India’s “Young Bengal Movement.” “We hope that ASAP will awaken the Indian public and strengthen democracy in the country.”