n a bold push to reshape campus politics, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday welcomed over 100 students—many from Delhi University’s 52 colleges, including several former ABVP and NSUI leaders—into its student wing, the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP). At a high-energy induction and dialogue held at the party headquarters, senior AAP leaders called on the youth to rise above status quo politics and take up the mantle of ethical, people-centric leadership. Zone in-charges of ASAP were also present, signalling the party’s intent to build a structured, statewide youth movement from the ground up.
Addressing the students, AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “The Aam Aadmi Party is committed to creating an alternative forum where the youth of this country can express themselves. As a political party, we must understand what India’s youth really want. So far, we are only imagining how the country and Delhi’s politics should change, how work should be done across the nation. ASAP is a platform for such feedback — one that must be led by young people.”
He added, “We want to build a forum where young individuals from ordinary households can dream of participating in politics. We want them to believe that they too can enter leadership roles in colleges, universities, state governments, and even the nation. Our endeavour is to position ASAP as a vehicle of alternative politics — one that looks and feels different from traditional politics. Youth should be able to see that ASAP is a collective of young people from common backgrounds and that such individuals can rise to leadership positions within it.
“In the days to come, more youth will be brought into the fold through ASAP, and together we will engage in positive work for society — not just political engagement, but also social action,” affirmed the AAP Delhi Unit Chief.
Meanwhile, MLA Sanjeev Jha remarked, “During the launch of ASAP, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal elaborated on its objectives. Many students associated with ASAP already represent their colleges and have even been elected. Every aspiring young leader dreams of contesting elections. The first step into politics often begins in college, from where students enter the mainstream. Contesting college elections is a critical experience.”
He continued, “Today, India faces several challenges. The narratives being pushed onto people are not healthy for democracy or politics. Politics has become a game — played by the cunning, while the naïve merely discuss it. Crafty leaders decide what issues are discussed. Often, the topics being discussed are not the real issues, and the real issues are ignored. People frequently vote based on issues that are not even relevant to them.”
Former MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi stated, “Our youth have immense talent, but there is a serious lack of political will to support them. Even small political support can take young people a long way. Through ASAP, the youth will give a new direction to Delhi’s politics. They will shift away from the old, outdated politics of cow dung and religion and lead Delhi University forward through technology. I call upon students to help forge a new path in student politics. Arvind Kejriwal is known for the politics of work — we will bring that same spirit into student politics.”
MLA Kuldeep Kumar emphasized the importance of building a grassroots platform for students: “We need to create a platform on the ground that can truly amplify students’ voices and raise campus-related issues. I myself studied at Delhi’s Shyamlal College. We formed our own union there. From student politics, I became a councillor at the age of 27 and later became the youngest Leader of Opposition in the MCD. After that, the AAP gave me a ticket for the Assembly, and I became an MLA. In 2024, I contested the Lok Sabha elections from a general seat but lost. Now I am serving my second term as an MLA.”
Kuldeep Kumar asserted that AAP is a platform that gives children from ordinary families a chance to enter politics. There are many such examples. This platform needs youth. The BJP does not need youth. ASAP will prepare future politicians. From this very organisation, tomorrow’s councillors, MLAs, and ministers will emerge. This is only possible in the Aam Aadmi Party. AAP will ensure that students who show talent in DU are given a chance to enter Delhi’s mainstream politics. ASAP must connect more and more young people to the organisation. It will also work to solve student issues.”
With ASAP, the Aam Aadmi Party aims to create a truly inclusive and purpose-driven political space for young Indians — rooted in real issues, guided by values of service, and focused on building a new generation of thoughtful, capable leaders.
