For how long can AAP play victim?

New Delhi: The attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office in Kaushambi by a fringe Hindu group has hit the national headlines. Predictably the AAP is playing the victim. But, the AAP must not forget the fact that it refused to take security for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other ministers of Delhi government in the name of ending 'VIP' culture.

Kejriwal has repeatedly refused security cover. His party's top functionaries like Prof. Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Kumar Vishwas etc also have no security.

It seems the AAP has failed to distinguish between a responsible ruling party and an NGO type organisation even after coming to power.

When you are in the opposition or an NGO, you can say many things and get away with it. But, once such people come to power, they should realise that activism is different from administration. The populism won't work beyond a point.

Prashant Bhushan's controversial remark on referendum on Kashmir led to the attack on the AAP office. Kejriwal has been maintaining that these are Bhushan's personal views and not the views of the AAP.

But, a political party, that too a ruling party with national ambitions can't escape from the responsibility by saying that it is a personal view.

Whatever important leaders of the party do or say will be treated as the views of that particular party. Kejriwal can't simply say that his party is not responsible for the personal views of his leaders.

It is a fact that India has too many fringe groups waiting for 5 minute fame. They don't miss an opportunity to attack a famous personality for that fame.

Arvind Kejriwal's team is allowing such elements to go on a rampage by repeatedly refusing security. After the incident, they can play the victim. But, how long can they do it? Won't they be exposed? The AAP has to answer these questions.

After Wednesday's incident, the UP Police has decided to provide security to the AAP office. Even if the AAP protests, the police will not budge and deploy a force outside the office to prevent similar incidents.

The AAP must understand that accepting basic security and other privileges are not considered luxuries. It is actually a necessary in today's world. It helps them to work in peace and deliver effective governance. The AAP and Delhi Chief Minister can't waste most time on reacting to fringe elements.