Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s student wing, Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP), is set to expand nationwide. On Friday, it launched a helpline—8588833485—inviting students across India to join. A missed call on the number confirms membership, followed by direct outreach from the ASAP team.
The ASAP has appealed to students across the country to rise above caste and religion-based politics and stand with them in the fight for real change. “Join us, and become the voice of the people,” the members of ASAP said in its call to action.
During a press conference, ASAP member Eeshna Gupta said, “AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP). Second, we declared that we will contest the upcoming Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.”
She added, “Taking this forward, today we are launching a membership number. Through this, we appeal to the 8 crore students across the country to connect with ASAP. Today’s youth face several challenges—unemployment, social pressure, financial concerns, mental health, education, career uncertainties, and climate change. But over the past 75 years, the BJP, Congress, and other parties, including their student unions, have failed to address these issues.”
“If you want to rise above the mainstream politics of caste and religion and contribute to real change in the country, if you want to stand by fellow students in their joys and struggles, voice their concerns, become their representative, and engage in social work, then join us today. ASAP will play a vital role in Indian politics in the days to come and work towards strengthening democracy,” said Eeshna Gupta.
Meanwhile, ASAP member Ayan Rai stated, “Our National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has, through this ASAP launch, given students across India an alternate political approach. There are more than 50,000 colleges in India, but only 5% of them conduct student union elections. This shows that ASAP is not merely a party or organisation to contest elections. Whether elections are held in a college or not, ASAP will always stand for student rights.”
“Through ASAP’s launch, we also want to present an alternate approach to the existing political practices. Current student unions often rely on casteism and goondaism, which tarnish the image of student politics. To combat this, Arvind Kejriwal has launched ASAP. Students from across India will join ASAP and bring a new approach to student politics,” said Ayan Rai.
On the other hand, ASAP member Kamal Tiwari stated, “ASAP aims to engage with 8 crore youth across the country through various activities and social work. In this effort, we are launching our helpline and membership number today to connect with students. Through this number, the process to join us will be very simple.”
He explained, “Students can give a call to this number, after which they will receive a confirmation message and our team will reach out to them. We also urge students to connect with us on social media. Our official accounts will operate under the handle ‘ASAP4Students,’ and our phone number being ‘8588833485,’” said Kamal Tiwari.
