Soldiers are dying on the border, but the Centre is after AAP

About the arrest of MLAs, it hurts because one among is is caught on charges of misconduct. But we have proved we have zero tolerance for such cases.

- Bula Devi

Controversies surrounding constant spats between Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and the ruling Aam Admi Party in Delhi seem to have immobilised the state government completely. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia speaks to Bula Devi in an interview. Excerpts:

The public perception of AAP is that it is more into controversies than governance. How do you see this?

The AAP doesn’t believe in adjustments unlike other political parties. Governance with adjustments is the norm in other parties, even when it comes to stopping corruption. Since we don’t believe in that, we are termed radical. Adjustment means accepting corruption. We don’t adjust hence we are opposed. This is the crux of the problem. But, we are delivering despite all this opposition. Building or bridge constructions are normally seen as parameters of development of a city. But are health facilities or quality of education in schools and colleges ever seen as criteria or yardsticks of development for a village, city or a society perse? It is strange that we appreciate a politician or an officer’s efforts if he gets bridges and buildings constructed while overlooking the slide in the quality of education. The AAP is trying to change this perception of development. We are working towards a non-corrupt government and delivering on technology, health and education among other things. We have delivered power at cheaper rates and water supply where there was no water. Why should we adjust? Delhi’s voters don’t want us to adjust. The public was tired of the conventional politics of adjustments and that is why they have given us 67 MLAs in an assembly of 70.

When two national political parties, the BJP and the Congress, come together in opposition, how difficult is it for a new party to govern?