The AAP certainly seems to have gone through some kind of metamorphosis. Kejriwal reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, presenting flowers to a smiling PM and generally getting along with the current LG are all signs and symptoms of this change.
The graver charge that some of his supporters levy is that he has compromised on his moral principles. He did not come out in support of Shaheen Bagh, he appeared to be aligned with the BJP on the Delhi riots and generally seems to have discarded his activist credentials along with whatever sense of honour he may have had to start with.
I know that this post will cause many liberal folk to froth at the mouth at Kejriwal's perfidy. The cry of the AAP being a B team of the BJP is floating around in Delhi drawing rooms. But do consider that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while retaining a sharp focus on your objectives is a desirable quality. As the AAP matures, it is heartening to see that Kejriwal is handling this transition with a deft touch. It augurs well for a possible second foray for AAP into politics outside Delhi. If he sheds some supporters along the way especially from the garrulous middle class fat cats so be it. They were never his core target segment.
Take a look at my book of nostalgic short stories set in Mussoorie.
The book has received 5 star reviews from around the world and has been featured in the Amazon hot new releases for travel writing. You can buy it by clicking the link Amazon
The graver charge that some of his supporters levy is that he has compromised on his moral principles. He did not come out in support of Shaheen Bagh, he appeared to be aligned with the BJP on the Delhi riots and generally seems to have discarded his activist credentials along with whatever sense of honour he may have had to start with.
To understand this a little better, one has to examine three issues:
- All in all, India seems to have shifted smartly to the right. It also seems to have become more overtly religious and attitudes have hardened one way or the other. In these fraught times, I feel that Kejriwal has deftly highlighted his own Hindu identity without compromising on his party's secularism. It defangs the more vocal right wing and creates a sort of Hindu nationalist space for Kejriwal that allows him some room to operate. The originator of this strategy being Mahatma Gandhi himself. Rahul Gandhi in his own ham fisted way also visited temples but it was evidently hypocritical and actually hurt the Congress. Kejriwal seems to strike the right notes with his innocent Aam Aadmi look complete with school-boyish sweater and trousers, so one may actually believe him.
- The second issue is about focus. Kejriwal clearly won a resounding mandate in Delhi due to his track record of good governance. Evidently, the Delhi public sees him as an effective CM who delivers on his promises especially for the poorer segments of people. Do they want him to also be an activist who flaunts his beliefs about the CAA and other contentious matters? How does that help the Delhi voter? Not visiting Shaheen Bagh was clearly a good strategy. In fact the more contentious issues that Kejriwal picks up, the greater the possibility of conflict with the Central Government. Is this worth it? I think not. Let him be one of the few CMs who does what he was elected to do rather than fight random battles.
- That brings me to my third point about picking the right battles to fight. Kejriwal and his govt have been accused of being conspicuous by their absence during the Delhi riots. It was perfectly clear that the Delhi police's lackadaisical response initially had nothing to do with Kejriwal. He does not control them and can not influence them either. Equally, the sterling work done by the police afterwards had nothing to do with Kejriwal either. He is a sort of truncated CM. Best to remember that and do what you can at the appropriate time. The decision to allow Kanhaiya Kumar to be prosecuted is similar. Why should Kejriwal put himself in the unenviable position of stalling the prosecution of a potential anti national?Whatever his views may be on the subject and whether Kanhaiya is anti national or not, it's better to let the law take its course and not be seen as an obstructionist. Besides, how does this help with Delhi governance for which Kejriwal has been elected? Aa bail mujhe maar was always a loser's strategy. Fortunately Kejriwal seems to have outgrown this tendency.
I know that this post will cause many liberal folk to froth at the mouth at Kejriwal's perfidy. The cry of the AAP being a B team of the BJP is floating around in Delhi drawing rooms. But do consider that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while retaining a sharp focus on your objectives is a desirable quality. As the AAP matures, it is heartening to see that Kejriwal is handling this transition with a deft touch. It augurs well for a possible second foray for AAP into politics outside Delhi. If he sheds some supporters along the way especially from the garrulous middle class fat cats so be it. They were never his core target segment.
Take a look at my book of nostalgic short stories set in Mussoorie.
The book has received 5 star reviews from around the world and has been featured in the Amazon hot new releases for travel writing. You can buy it by clicking the link Amazon
