The just concluded state Assembly elections in India not only rejected nationwide anger and anguish at the present Congress led UPA dispensation, but also a craving for change in terms of governance and political practice. The Aam Aadmi party surprised many by winning 28 seats in Delhi on the back of its anti-corruption drive. Six months ago, nobody thought that the fledgling AAP would be a more than a footnote in the Delhi Assembly elections. The rise of the party in Delhi has given a boost to the politics weary people’s confidence, opening a new chapter in Indian politics.

Hopes ran high that Mr Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi party would work towards bringing about systemtic changes. But the AAP government lasted just 49 turbulent days of coming to power as the Chief Minister failed to get his dream Bill-the Janlokpal- even introduced in the Delhi Assembly since both the national parties, the Congress and the BJP ganged against it. Indeed, in an enviornment dominated by corrupt national parties and media houses owned by corporates, an honest minority government was bound to face challanges.

But Mr Kejriwal, a commoner, has proved beyond doubt that much can be achieved even in one’s initial foray into politics. Braving hostility and absence of support from any seasonable politician, he has made a valiant attempt to improve the status of the aam admi.

As far as governance of Delhi is concerned, AAP has much to show in improving life in Delhi. Mr Kejriwal’s resignation proved that he has no hunger for power and is a leader who is true to his word. It has only raised his stock among the common people of Delhi who form his core support base and believe that he will come back to power with an absolute majority. Mr Kejriwal’s renunciation of his post over a point of principle has definitely bolstered the AAP’s appeal among the working classes and is likely to pay dividends.

Public opinion, especially in the media, a section of which turned hostile to Aam Admi party, is divided. The hawks are out to get Mr Kejriwal, with the media going to town criticising him for being confrontationist and non-pragamatic. It is amusing to see pro establishment elites rushing to savage AAP for being too activistic while in government. His party’s so-called populism is being severely criticised by the media. One is unable to understand why Mr Kejriwal is being subjected to such castigation merely for doing things differently from the traditional politician. Let us remember that he came into politics not to wield power but to change the system. No matter he may sometimes exceed some societal limits in his zeal to address the common man’s plight, but what matters is that he appears to be earnest in his endeavour to fulfil all his promises.

During its 49 days in charge, the Aam Admi party’s decision to slash power and water prices, followed by street protests over Delhi policing, were hugely popular with the common man. But rivals accused the party of dumping its constituency and treating governance with contempt.

Mr Arvind Kejriwal’s unconventional approach to government, unparreled in democratic India, has not won AAP many friends. The initial euphoria that prevailed when the AAP formed government in Delhi is quickly evaporating due to its unorthodox politics: But then the AAP is known for out of the box political strategies, as seen in the Delhi Assembly elections. The AAP was not formed to tinker with the political system but to completely overhaul it from within. Therefore, Mr Kejriwal’s style of governance is bound to be different from the existing status quoist style practicised from within air conditioned secreteriats.

That said, critics of the AAP think Mr Kejriwal to be weird when he goes to Dharna and then sleeps on the footpath in cold weather. But his roadside Dharna was neccessary to keep his commitment to people friendly government. It is for a fact that when we play by the rules in order to get justice, we usually run up against a dead end or a torturously long procedure. Sometimes it becomes neccessary to compel government authorities to take cognisance of citizen’s complaints through protest as people have lost faith in government.

Moreover, people didn’t elect AAP for business as usual, like during the Congress and BJP regimes. In fact, it is refreshing to see AAP ministers being proactive in telling the arogant and compromised Delhi police to do its duty for citizens and not softpeddle on cracking down on criminals ans rackets. With its Janta Darbar also the AAP tried a new experiment in addressing public grievances. It may have failed but it gives rise to an opporunity to discuss the issue of finding solutions for common man’s problems.

There is no doubt about Kejriwal’s sincerity of purpose and his firm stand on corruption. But there is much anxiety about the way the party comes across as playing to the gallery. He may be a crusader against corruption but he has to learn the basics of politics and governance. The AAP’s stand in the last few weeks may or may not pay off in terms of extending its political footprint and shoring up voter support. But many of its actions have raised serious concerns about its ideology, methods, visions and world view.

In fact, Mr Kejriwal was playing right into the hands of his critics by taking to the streets whereby he was ridiculed for anarchism and political immaturity. He should have taken care to concentrate on governance, gain experience and the focus on winning the confidence of the people rather than stick to the core election manifesto of an anti- corruption law.

Mr Kejriwal should realise that things cannot be changed overnight. Unless he factors in the ground realities he may not be able to make a mark in national politics. Even Gandhi Ji and Jayprakash Narayan were anarchists who disobeyed the prevailing law of the land for a cause. AAP should realise that it is not just enough to form a political party and win elections as it will be judged not only by what it preaches but also by its practice. Only then can its commendable achievement spill over to other metros of India where residents are equally disgruntled and willing to accept change with open arms.

SUNITA VAKIL
(Delhi based senior journalist)