The established political parties, media and the glitterati are somewhat confounded by the abrupt resignation of the AAP Government in Delhi. It is probably the first instance of an en mass resignation by an elected government in India on a point of principle. The twittering classes typified by the likes of Suhel Seth are basically saying 'good riddance to bad rubbish' Their delicate sensibilities have been overwhelmed by the odour of the Aam Aadmi up close and personal and it's high time that politics was reclaimed by their own class even if they wear designer Khadi rather than Gucci or Armani. This type of response has been building up ever since Somnath Bharti had his run in with the Delhi Police some time ago. In essence, the elite may profess to want changes in the body politic but are unwilling to soil their lily white hands with the rather messy process of achieving it. Frankly, this response coming from the people that it does is irrelevant. Firstly because these people are are in a microscopic minority even though they wield disproportionate power in India today. Secondly they are not the AAPs constituency. The real Aam Aadmi is quite happy with the turn of events as they unfold. The 'Nautanki' response to the activities of the AAP is therefore highly visible as it's played out on National TV everyday but it's largely irrelevant even as the people who participate in the charade are irrelevant too. Their real fear is that the nation is finally waking up to an understanding of its own strength. When that happens it will be a revolution in the true sense of the word.
The second response is a trifle more charitable. In this scenario, the AAP is perceived to be well meaning but naive. Kejriwal is regarded as a simple minded idealist who came to power in a groundswell of public activism starting with Anna Hazare's movement. The party is seen as a bunch of novices who are unable to govern as they should. Rakhi Birla's midnight rounds were seen as sincere but childish attempts to improve matters for the homeless poor and people questioned whether Kejriwal could read and sign files while sleeping on the pavement.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Kejriwal and his supporters have been planning their foray into politics for a long time. They realised that the association with Anna Hazare was ultimately leading nowhere and it was important to sharpen their focus by jettisoning some of their more simple minded colleagues from that movement. As of now, every move of the AAP has been carefully planned and orchestrated keeping in mind their main constituency, the Aam Aadmi. They decided to ally with the Congress as it was the lesser of the two evils. If they had refused to form a government, they would have lost out in two ways. One, that they would have disappointed a large section of their followers who had great hopes pinned on their victory. Secondly, they wanted to give a taste to the electorate about what exactly does it mean to have a government of the AAP. In this they have succeeded in no small measure. They have proved conclusively that their brand of 'active' politics is a hit with the Aam Aadmi. They will not sit in their offices and issue esoteric orders that on one follows. 'Management by Walking Around' was a phrase coined for a management style that mirrors the AAPs approach. For better of for worse the other parties have had to pick up some cues from the AAPs style. Hopefully this impact itself will be positive for the country.
Finally the resignation of the government was inevitable given the restrictions on the state of Delhi and the uneasy relationship that the AAP has with the political establishment. In my view it will achieve two very important objectives:
The second response is a trifle more charitable. In this scenario, the AAP is perceived to be well meaning but naive. Kejriwal is regarded as a simple minded idealist who came to power in a groundswell of public activism starting with Anna Hazare's movement. The party is seen as a bunch of novices who are unable to govern as they should. Rakhi Birla's midnight rounds were seen as sincere but childish attempts to improve matters for the homeless poor and people questioned whether Kejriwal could read and sign files while sleeping on the pavement.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Kejriwal and his supporters have been planning their foray into politics for a long time. They realised that the association with Anna Hazare was ultimately leading nowhere and it was important to sharpen their focus by jettisoning some of their more simple minded colleagues from that movement. As of now, every move of the AAP has been carefully planned and orchestrated keeping in mind their main constituency, the Aam Aadmi. They decided to ally with the Congress as it was the lesser of the two evils. If they had refused to form a government, they would have lost out in two ways. One, that they would have disappointed a large section of their followers who had great hopes pinned on their victory. Secondly, they wanted to give a taste to the electorate about what exactly does it mean to have a government of the AAP. In this they have succeeded in no small measure. They have proved conclusively that their brand of 'active' politics is a hit with the Aam Aadmi. They will not sit in their offices and issue esoteric orders that on one follows. 'Management by Walking Around' was a phrase coined for a management style that mirrors the AAPs approach. For better of for worse the other parties have had to pick up some cues from the AAPs style. Hopefully this impact itself will be positive for the country.
Finally the resignation of the government was inevitable given the restrictions on the state of Delhi and the uneasy relationship that the AAP has with the political establishment. In my view it will achieve two very important objectives:
- The established parties are terrified of a re-election before the Lok Sabha polls. The Congress less so as it has curled up and died in any case. However the BJP is really scared that if the AAP gets a thumping majority in Delhi in a re-election it will have a significantly negative impact on their chances in the Lok Sabha elections. This impact will be negated if the Delhi assembly elections are held along with or after the Lok Sabha elections.
- Kejriwal is now free to concentrate on the Lok Sabha Elections. There are already rumours surfacing that he may decide to contest against Mr. Modi. Whether they are true or not they add to the larger than life picture that he already has (Muffler and perennial cough notwithstanding) and they add to the confusion and uncertainty in the BJP ranks. On a more serious note, the prospect of the AAP getting 50-60 seats has been significantly enhanced by the resignation of the AAP from the Delhi assembly. If that does happen it will open up some distinctly new possibilities!
Debu, you think it was correct of Arvind to resign to be able to concentrate on Loksabha elections. What about people of Delhi who now feel betrayed? What would you say to them?
ReplyDeleteYou talk about AAP's constituency! This is truly amusing. I hear this all the time - constituencies of different political parties! Let me ask - Did Arvind take oath as chief minister of Delhi, or chief minister of AAP's constituency?
I know hundreds of middle class people who voted for AAP. People making Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000 per month. (According to you, they do not belong to AAP's constituency. So, they do not count.) These are good honest people - hard working, taking care of their families, paying taxes, only wanting to have a corruption free India. They feel cheated. They will, probably, end up voting for old political parties once again.
I too have a lot of respect for Arvind's honesty and his tenacity. He gave hope to millions that "clean politics" has a chance in India. And, let them down by resigning. You are free to call it whatever you like - Nautanki, Naivete or Nicely done. I feel, it is a mistake and a blow to India's journey towards 'clean politics".
Anil, I respect your view that Kejriwal was the CM of Delhi and all its people. However, as in product marketing, political parties also have a target segment. For example, in Delhi, the BJP's core target segment is the shop keepers and traders. This is not to say that they are uninterested in the others but they do need to keep the interests of this segment in mind when they do anything. Similarly, the core target segment of the AAP is the Aam Aadmi. You may define that segment narrowly to mean blue collar workers either in organised industry or informal employment such as domestic servants. Or you may widen the definition a bit to include some of the white collar workers that you speak off. Clerks, sales executives and so on. One of the common features of this target segment is that they the ones most harassed by 'transactional corruption' Payment of haftas to policemen and having to bribe petty government officials for getting anything done. The AAP focused on this segment. Their methods were unconventional such as Bharti's midnight raid. However it may be argued that strictly conventional methods will simply not work against an entrenched political and bureaucratic system. My sense is that Kejriwal would need to adapt to survive in Delhi's political minefield. Effectively, he would need to become more like the other parties. That, in my view, as least would be completely disastrous. It is better that he quit. Again my view, but I do feel that he and his party has been greatly strengthened by their resignation. If he does come back stronger he can fight harder for the common man and force through some of the changes that are so badly needed.
DeleteFinally who is irrelevant? Not the middle class. The twitterati and the elite class who are entrenched and hand in glove with politicians and bureaucrats are teh ones I referred to.
Debu, there are thousands shades of Grey between Black and White. I never meant to say that he should adopt the dirty practices of old generation political parties to stay alive. I had no complaints in his trying new tactics to tackle problems if old practices do not work, as we all know. However, in my view, no purpose is served by quitting like this. Changes happen slowly. We need to be patient and stay the course while things evolve. We need to build the team and work on resolving differences, should there be. The attitude like "my way or highway", in my opinion, will not work in a very diverse and complex country like our's.
ReplyDeleteAAP team probably feels that they will gain more votes in 2014 elections by quitting. I do not think so, especially after talking to approx. dozen people who voted for him in Delhi elections. I sincerely hope that I am proven wrong. If not, it sure will be a big loss to the Nation yearning for 'clean governance'. Such opportunities don't come often. If lost, I don't foresee an opportunity like this coming to us again soon; not in my life time.
Anil: I agree that there are many shades of grey. However, Kejriwal probably feels that compromise would dilute his stand. He is a tough crusader and perhaps he has learnt that dealing with the established political system can be a minefield.
DeleteI personally admire his tenacity and singular focus but I can see that others may find it to be pig headed.
Mr Bhatnagar tough crusader when it suits him and capitulates when it suits him...
DeleteTenacity???! You do attribute him with qualities he does not possess
*IT Job -- Left without attempting reform there
*Teamed up with SriSri, Ramdev and waved 370 pages of proof against Sheila
*Jumped ship to tie up with Anna, Kiran Bedi
*Dumped Anna to form his party
*Became CM and dumped that too
* Flung unsubstantiated charges at all and sundry without pursuing!
Im sur u understand the meaning of tenacity differently from what i do :)
Take a look at Arvind Kejriwal's interview on NDTV
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/lokpal-or-lok-sabha-the-arvind-kejriwal-interview/309553?curl=1392539331
Dont u find it strange Mr Bhatnagar.. a corruption crusader doing an interview with a Barkha (Raditapes) Dutt? Irony?!
DeleteAnd the is so benign with her Questions...
Would love to see him take Qs from Arnab
He happily lies in the interview that he has no house.. therefore he will stay on in the govt accommodation ( which he had grandly declaredhe did not want).
The fact is he and his wife both own houses/flats.
Barkha lets that pass.
He says his wife is going to be promoted and as per rules ( rules!?!) she would be entitled to a similar house.
* How does he know she will be promoted?
* How does he know she wont be transferred ( the norm)
* Govt flats have long wait lists.. how does he plan to jump that Q.
Barkha lets all these pass.. and lets him charm folks like u in his earnest school boy voice :)
Dear Ms Parker, I'm sure your objective of writing this reply is not to debate on the relative merits of Barkha Dutt and Arnab Goswami as TV hosts. Since you have already made up your mind that Barkha Dutt is biased I can certainly not change that perception. If it is to debate trivia of the kind that you have raised in your list of questions it's really not worth debating. Since you are a proclaimed BJP supporter (I have read your blog) let's just agree to disagree. There is unlikely to be a meeting of minds. Regards. Debu
DeleteMr Bhatnagar,
DeleteIt is quite amazing how ALL supporters of AAP run away from interaction on one pretext of the other... u seem to be no different :)
Trivia is again subjective... a man purportedly out to "change" the system bases everything he does on lies and half truths and misreprsentations..
and he and his supporters shut out the "other" view.
I have been blocked on the Official pages of AamAadmi Party pages on FB :)
I guess in this country its a crime to be a BJP supporter.
Barkha Dutt can lobby and get caught on the Radia tapes .. but is Kosher and must not be questioned...
Meeting of minds is not really essential via interaction.. but clearing of cobwebs and dispelling of mirages is definitely a plus.. but Aam aadmi Party is PERFECT :)
Regds to u too
Hi Debu, we worked briefly in the same organisation, if you remember. I largely share your views, and am a whole - hearted sympathiser of AAP. Ashok Sud
ReplyDeleteHi Ashok. Good to hear from you. Where are you these days?
DeleteMeaning of Kejriwal’s resignation
ReplyDeleteWhy did Arvind Kejriwal resign? This is the question which every conscientious citizen of Delhi should ask himself and try to find out answer from within.
It was Kejriwal’s Act 1, Scene1 of the political theatre where in he was deceived and ‘stabbed’ like Julius Caesar by his confident Brutus. ‘Et Tu Brut…then falls Caesar’… and the scene ends. But Kejri’s theatre is continuing, Act by Act; Scene by Scene, even more intensely.
Just about two months earlier to this tragic scene, the congress leadership on its own tried to woo Kejriwal by promising unconditional support to him. Not that he was eager to capture the office of chief minister, but a kind of challenge was thrown to him. Kejriwal does not play his cards with the shrewdness of a poker faced politician because he is at heart pure and simple and a man of conscience without any malice, but intelligent enough to understand the tricks played by others. At that time he had several options which a cunning and crafty politician might have chosen. But he did not indulge in debased politics for a wider and solid support and contended himself with only eight votes more as a good gesture from the Congress, but on his own terms.
Kejriwal is a straight forward man and knows his way and the mission well, unlike other politicians who play with tricks and numbers only. His guiding force is the ‘Aam Admi’and his one point agenda is to exterminate corruption from administrative set up at every level; other things are subsidiary to him – the politics, party and position. AAP is not a party but a political revolution and anybody joining him is aware of the fact that he has to sacrifice all - money, power and position in order to achieve the mission of eradicating corruption. He has made it clear to all – join us or not – but service to the nation is the only ambition which one has to aspire. It is the second war of independence and in absence of Gandhi one has to model himself as Gandhi and sacrifice the same way as he did. It was with this intent that he had to sit a Dharna before Rail Bhavan. He was protesting against the police which disobeyed him. Everybody has a right to protest peacefully. One cannot dictate the methods, the places and the ways of protest. There is nothing theatrical about it. He considered himself a common man (even as CM) and behaved like a common man. Gandhi never wished to rise above common man. He lived and died as such. Since we have forgot the Mahatma, his way of life and the methods of his protest, we see oddity in Kejriwal’s action.
The Congress had forgot Gandhi long back. It never revived those values which were very dear to him. It had been converted into a shrewd political force and had established a system that thrived on corruption. Other parties too learned the same lesson, more or less, because it was a built-in process and difficult to avoid unless you set to change the system. If you achieve power the motto becomes simple; ‘Live (In corruption) and let live (In corruption)’; ‘Do scams and allow others to do’. And the concealed cunningness of the system should never be exposed. The same story of corruption runs from Boforce to Coalgate – from one PM to another.
Just think it deeply. When did the Congress support Chandra Shekhar or Charan Singh whole heartedly? It was a political game. It seems good in a bad politics. Shrewdness is it’s another name. Scoundrels govern the whole system and we have become a part of it. But it was a different proposition when Kejriwal accepted the support of the congress. He was very clear in his mind. He had no ambition to be CM (Or PM). He is a rebel and a revolutionary in his own way. One cannot cheat him - not even politically. If one does, he will revolt because he has nothing to lose. This is what he has done while resigning as CM. But by doing this, he exhibits the courage of a crusader,a rebellion and a saint.