That was again in the air. What
looked on air - looked like a genuine case - a disgruntled person approached
Arvind Kejriwal - during one of his trademark self-obsessed events - this time
to say thanks to Delhiites for the 'odd-even' scheme - to express her
displeasure.
Okay, we may disagree by the way
the lady chose to express her displeasure - by throwing ink and some pieces of
paper (and a CD) - but we will certainly disagree with what followed - with the
lady - and in general - especially with histrionics of the Aam Aadmi Party
leaders.
As soon as the news broke, it
became 'the' most important news of the 'nation' - as expected - and as
expected - the AAP machinery went into overdrive - to squeeze in the maximum
political mileage - to play the victim card - to get in the war of words that
is getting so ugly with each passing day.
As soon as the news flashed - as
soon as its images started getting viral - the AAP propaganda - yes, now we
should say them a well oiled propaganda machinery - took to social media and media in full
overdrive (with as much throttle speed as possible) - inhabiting nooks and
corners of media and social media spaces - with their victim card - with their
'good samaritan' card.
In their trademark way - that has
started making us cringe now - something that AAP totally disregards.
So, as soon as the news broke, everyone
in AAP started shooting (and shouting at the top of their voices) that it was a
political conspiracy - and plans to kill Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders
were in making.
The party took no time in coming
directly to its point - in getting direct confrontation with BJP and with the Delhi
Police. In fact, the party looked desperate to catch political prospects from
this 'windfall development' as the Punjab assembly polls are around the corner
where the party is betting big.
And it was ironical!
Making a fuss around this issue
by a party that owes its origin to the 'common man' - sending a common woman to
jail - is condemnable. A disgruntled auto-rickshaw driver had slapped Arvind
Kejriwal. Kejriwal forgave him and reached out to meet him - though he made a
big public spectacle of it. But then, Kejriwal is not chief minister then.
He is chief minister now - and
with a solid mandate - 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi assembly. And after
taking Delhi's CM office second time in February 2015, he has shed all his
inhibitions - including his 'common man' branding. Now, AAP is like any other
party.
And like any other leader of any
other political party, the Delhi CM did not show largesse this time. No one in
AAP is talking about her now. Kejriwal did not go to meet her today.
Instead, its ministers, leaders
and spokespersons are busy since yesterday in milking this incident to settle
score with the Delhi Police, to target BJP and to show how everyone else is
behind life (and times) of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP.
It all looks so gaudy - so funny
now. And it will certainly reflect in electoral politics. The party that
borrows its name from the 'common man' could have logically chosen to downplay
the incident - with a genuine clemency for the lady.
But we all knew what was coming.
To continue..