The results of Delhi election must have come as a surprise to
many including those who voted for AAP even though most of us really wanted AAP
to succeed but we had our doubts if it would happen in reality. So first I
would like to congratulate Arvind for AAP's spectacular success on its debut. His
own convincing victory against the stalwart Shiela is like icing on the cake. It
is never easy to change any established system. In the corporate sector I have
been involved in a number of transformation initiatives and know that to bring
in change, even if it is very positive and desperately needed, is not always
easy. To aim for changing our political system is a very ambitious one and he
has succeeded admirably in this endeavour. In a country where most citizens are
so poor that they are willing to sell their vote in exchange of some money or
liquor it is extremely difficult to fight with the established players without
power, money, muscle or manipulation. I wish AAP had got a clear majority so
that Delhi could have been established as a model state. It would have clearly
demonstrated what clean and honest governance can do to this country. Just now
I heard Kiran Bedi expressing her view that AAP and BJP should come together to
provide a stable government as that is the verdict of the citizens of Delhi.
That came as a surprise. Even Anna's allegations just before the election were
surprising. I am sure Aana is very experienced and is aware how our media
sensationalize such issues not for the benefit of the country but for the TRP
of their respective channels. He could have directly spoken to Aravind if he
had any doubts. If Anna and Kiran had actively supported Aravind AAP could have
got the majority.
This has been an impressive beginning. I personally feel AAP
should not compromise on its core purpose or values, which is to provide an alternative
political system. I am sure if there is re-election AAP will get a clear
majority. Leaders of this country have looted thousands of crores over several
decades and its citizen have gone through terrible sufferings that beggar
description. I am sure the country can afford to spend a few crores and the
citizens of Delhi can bear a little extra pain that will bring in a complete
transformation in our political system that is completely rotten today. There
are lot of people who might have voted for larger parties even if in their
heart of hearts they wanted AAP to win lest their votes should go waste. People
who have already voted for AAP will definitely voted for them again as they
have done so after lot of thinking and out of conviction. There is no reason for AAP to compromise on its raison d'etre. It should not try to emulate the congress that holds on to power by hook or by crook, i.e. using CBI to extract support from parties with whom they have serious fundamental differences.
I personally feel this is like Sepoy Mutiny II. The Sepoy
Mutiny of 1857 eventually didn't succeed and it established a possibility of
freedom which was finally realised in 1947. Even though we got our freedom long
back the democracy remains only on paper. In reality we have VIPcracy in India.
This Sepoy Mutiny may be the harbinger of true democracy in this country. The
path is difficult and may take several decades. Other states are not going to
be like Delhi which is politically sensitive and well informed. There were
several rallies by Aanna and Ramdev etc. which helped AAP to build the base
there quickly. However, this has been a fitting reply to the arrogance of most
of the senior leaders of the Congress party. Their hubris, corruption and poor
governance had reached their limits.
We should be thankful to Aravind and the AAP party for
rekindling some hope for this wonderful country that has immense potential. As
he had pointed out it was now or never. This has come at a time when one had really given up and the country was getting into a hopeless situation. One expects that other parties like BJP
will learn some lessons and rectify their ways before it is too late. Strong
leaders like Advani will be able to take bold decisions without fear of losing power.
The analysis paralysis and dilly dallying they displayed on the issue of
corruption in Karnataka is a case in point.
I was in Chennai and election was held at that time for
Tamilnadu. A party was formed by some IITians but nothing was heard about them
after that. Dr. Jaiprakash Narayan started Loksatta party in AP but without any
success though he is still active. So to replicate the success of Delhi in
other states is not going to be easy and AAP has a long way to go before it
will able to convert this Sepoy Mutiny II into a real democracy.
One must also congratulate BJP for their success in all 4
states, especially Chhattisgarh. We Indians are very sentimental and mix up
issues. Sympathy at someone's death is fine but that should not influence our
choice of leaders. Good at BJP retained power after a neck to neck fight that
lasted long. Winning any election for 3rd time that too by a big margin as it
happened in MP is a creditable achievement. Rajasthan is interesting as they
never choose the same government in succession. This state should be the next
target for AAP.
One hopes that like minded people like Anna and Kiran Bedi
will actively support Aravind during this Herculean task of cleaning the Augean
Stables. Aravind considers Anna as his guru. What remains to be seen whether
the guru treats his disciple as Eklavya or Arjun. Anna is a Gandhian but even
all actions of Mahatma Gandhi was not above board. He was a great individual,
no doubt, but his insistence on Nehru becoming the first PM, even though Sardar
Patel had 12 nominations and Nehru had none, remains the foundation of
corruption and nepotism in independent India. One just hopes that Anna will
support Aravind wholeheartedly for the sake of the nation.
