Anti-graft drive a success, but we still have a long way to go: AAP

Bengaluru: AAP’s (Aam Aadmi Party) anti-corruption initiative and anti-corruption hotline has received a tremendous response from the public. AAP  National Executive Member Prthivi Reddy, told DC that people are willing to fight corruption and need some kind of leverage or support to take it to the next level.

Excerpts from the conversation.

Are you happy with the feedback from your  ‘Bribe Free Karnataka’ and ‘Bribe Free Bangalore Week’, along with the anti-corruption helpline?
 I must say we have a long way to go before we can make Bengaluru and Karnataka corruption-free. But yes, we are quite happy with the co-operation from officials and the public. People are confident that work can be done without paying bribes. Many people have congratulated us and so far, the campaign has been a success.

The crusade against corruption has been your strength and main weapon. How will you make it a sustainable campaign?
The campaign required courage and a huge amount of human resources, but every movement begins with a handful of people or activists. The numbers then swell, when like-minded and concerned citizens join hands and strengthen the movement. The campaign will gradually gain steam as  AAP is organizing it at 15 districts and different assembly constituencies in the city in a sustained manner.

Do you think these campaigns will have a positive impact on future polls and would garner votes in your party’s favour?
There are two kinds of corruption. One is corruption with collusion, which is tough to fight against and the other is extorting from people what they should rightfully get. The campaign has taken off and many have benefited from it. AAP has been getting several complaints of officers indulging in corrupt practices. We have contacted these officers to redress peoples’ grievances and hopefully, the party will benefit from the campaign.

Is the political set-up to blame for rampant corruption? What is your message to the public?
AAP has brought about change in the political system by just asking officials to be honest and not harass people. Why haven’t political parties put an end to corrupt practices? This is an indication of their approach towards corruption. Politicians collude with corrupt officials or vice versa. Fighting corruption requires the support of citizens and it is our duty to reach out to the public. Our hotline is 9342522223 (10 am to 5 pm).