India has witnessed a great political renovation in the name of AAM AADMI PARTY led by Arvind Kejriwal (A K), who had been able to belie all political speculations and grabbed 28 seats of Delhi Assembly during the last assembly elections. A K defeated Shiela Dixit with a historic margin of votes. Shiela Dixit was a ruling Chief Minister of Delhi since last 15 years. Whereas, A K was a new chum, who had entered into politics just two years back after shoving away a promising career as an IRS. A K sworn as Chief Minister of Delhi as a great surprise and nightmare to the political corridor. Media was astonished and forced to be engaged in decoding the denotations of this political metamorphosis. Psephologists and political gurus were stunned, politicians were speechless and the common men were confounded by experiencing their own strength. It compelled all political parties to re-plan and re-master their strategies. It was a result of their re-mastered strategy only that paved the way to form a government at DELHI in the leadership of A K. In fact, it was Congress Party who tried to make AAM AADMI PARTY a scapegoat, anticipating that A K won't be able to keep the promises he made with the citizens of DELHI, and will be exposed as a betrayer. Almost, the same opinion had the BJP also. Though, Congress offered an unconditional support to the government. However, the cunning intentions behind it couldn't be masked.
Nevertheless, A K emerged as a superhero on the horizon of Indian politics. A new, yet unbelievable chapter in the history was written. Perhaps, it was the first time in the history of Indian democracy, when the common (Non - political) men were able to defeat those leaders who were established names in politics. A K responded quite humbly and defined it as the power of a common man.
Arvind Kejriwal |
A K started his explosive inning with his unexpected and unpredictable moves and made several announcements in order to keep his promises made in his election manifesto. Some of the remarkable benchmarks of A K's A A P govt. are worth mentioning here which made his opponents sleepless and speechless.
1. 700 liter free water announced for those having regular water connection.
2. 50% subsidy on electricity for those having consumption up to 400 units.
3. Helpline to report power cuts.
4. Anti-corruption helpline launched.
5. Nursery admission helpline announced.
6. Infrastructure audit of govt. schools started.
7. Promised quota for Delhi students in DU.
8. Misuse of red beacons banned.
9. All the govt. and private hospitals directed to provide "Free & Immediate" treatment to the victims of acid attacks or rape.
10. Abandoned buses to be used as night shelters for homeless in Delhi. A novel A K idea.
11. Launched a website to manage public utility complaints "www.aapconnect.com"
Arvind Kejriwal |
The journey was not so smooth, as the growing challenges kept on chasing A K day to day. He was not a practicing politician but, his practices in politics were quite unpredictable and beyond comprehension for almost all practicing politicians, psephologists and media as well. On all such moves of A K when media and other political parties were busy in satirizing him, A K was busy in concocting another new interpretation of politics. It was never expected that a Chief Minister may sit on Dharna, that too in his own state. A K did so, people called him anarchist whether, he was able to prove that the law and order at Delhi is not under control of Delhi Government. Rather, it is Central Government who is responsible for any such performances of Delhi Police.
Arvind Kejriwal on dharna at Rail Bhawan |
Issues raised by A K are daring and provocative. They are pragmatic about the established current political system. There may be difference of opinion among intellectuals about the action and approach of A K how he executes or deals with the issue. But, his commitment towards the sanctity of Indian politics is quite ponderable. It's not just an escape as the opposition is saying on tendering his resignation after being failed to table the "Jan Lokpal Bill" in the assembly. Though the Government was carried for 49 days only. But, those are the solemn and historic "A K 49" days of Indian politics. They are alarming "A K 49" days of Indian politics too. Every day, in those precious "A K 49" days there was a message for everyone.
"DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A COMMON MAN"