It is good to see Aam Aadmi Party
dictating the terms in the post-poll scenario in Delhi . But it is good only as long as it
doesn’t become the theatre of the absurd.
And it is becoming the one now.
Whatever be the reason,
ideological or circumstantial, behind AAP’s unwillingness in forming the
government in Delhi
with the ‘unconditional’ support from the Congress party, the issue is being
dragged now too long to be seen in the realm of value-based politics.
It is neither ideological, nor
circumstantial.
Oaky, when we talk of value-based
politics, something no one expects from BJP and Congress, it was certainly
expected from AAP to maintain the discipline in the formative years of its
polity, even if the AAP people have some other plans or even if they are
co-opted by the prevailing political System of the country in a not so distant
political future.
Also, the way Arvind Kejriwal
left the anti-corruption movement midway, splitting with Anna Hazare, would be
a negative point in his social and political career until he proves the perception
wrong by his work.
Yes, it is still in the realm of
perception, so the AAP people have to be given the benefit of doubt and they
have been given the benefit of doubt by the voters who have given them a
stunning political debut in the national capital of India .
Yes, but, equally true, the doubt
remains, if we believe in the language of the electoral mandate, as AAP has not
been given the majority on its own to form the government in Delhi .
And ideally, as the pre-poll position
taken, AAP should not be taking a different post-poll stand of even considering
the support proposal from Congress as Mr. Arvind Kejriwal is doing.
Instead of outrightly rejecting
the BJP and Congress proposals, he is making public his Magna Carta of demands
to accept the support from these mainstream political parties, something that
should be ideologically untouchable for AAP.
And anyway, even if it is to be
seen as a child’s play, as the type of demands put forward by Kejriwal says,
even if it is to squeeze out the some vindictive mileage of the past, even if
it is to satisfy the ego, it is spilling over now. There are demands in the
list that no mainstream political party would ever agree to concede to, let
alone give in writing.
Or is there some sort of hidden
fear that AAP may not be able to replicate this stunning feat if the assembly
elections are held again with the Lok Sabha polls - a fear that is holding back from taking the
required ‘high moral’ ground?
Whatever be the reason, it is
neither ideological nor circumstantial. So, stop playing Mr. Kejriwal.
Also, Mr. Kejriwal, Delhi ’s voters do
understand it.
Remember, the doubt remains. And
you and your party are yet to prove the perceptions wrong.
And remember, the next stage in AAP’s
formative journey is just four months away.
So, tread cautiously and tread
honestly. You cannot be forced to accept the support. Your party cannot be
force-fed to inhabit the power corridors of the Delhi Secretariat.
Let Delhi be with Mr. Najeeb Jung, the Lieutenant-Governor,
till the next assembly polls.
Stop this sham of support pastime
if you want to play it long, if you plan to play it differently, if you think
to do it positively.
©/IPR: Santosh Chaubey - http://severallyalone.blogspot.com/
