Two years back,when the Anna movement against corruption started, I was a little sceptical about the whole thing. Though as everyone else, I wanted to see some concrete action against corruption, I thought there was enough institutional mechanism in place and the need was to make them work. However, Anna and Arvind thought differently. Even after two years, when the act has come to life, I think the idea of of Lokpal will succeed only if there is enough political will and for that the political leadership needed to change.
This is why when Arvind and co. formed this new entity (Aam Admi Party), I thought it was a good idea. The system can be changed and made to work from within; the scope of doing so from outside is very limited (though the pressure groups can work to some extent, there role is very limited by their nature). However, a political entity in power has tremendous power and authority to make the system work. Forming a party is one thing and winning elections is another. The first challenge before AAP was the Delhi elections; the passed the examination in flying colours. A wind of hope is blowing in India like never before. A political party within its first year of formation would form a government, is unprecedented.
What does the AAP symbolize?
- AAP represents the aspirations of the common man
- They have shown that elections can be won without muscle and money power
- They have changed the VIP culture in the country
- They have shown good intentions can stop corruption in this country Their success has led to a huge churning in the political system in India already.
These are all good news.
- The traditional national parties
- Congress and BJP have started to look inwards and change themselves.
- The vast numbers who wanted a good alternative to Congress and BJP have got one; Congress is corrupt and arrogant; BJP is majoritarian and authoritarian (not in the rigid sense). India deserves better
- The youth of the country who wanted to join politics but had big entry barrier to cross (money and power), now see a good opportunity
- Democracy is all about options; for the first time, people will not be voting for a 'lesser evil', they can vote for a 'better one'
However, AAP's success is not guaranteed. Their inexperience at governance is already showing. Subsidies and freebies have never solved any problem. Saying no to decent accommodation and offices, etc is not required; you can live decently and govern well. So, AAP needs to focus on governance rather than silly changes here and there. Facilities have to be institutionalized; populist measures are not going to help. If AAP can not deliver, the good revolution will fail. people will lose faith in revolutions.
The challenges in front of them are very big; but with good intention and efficient people in their ranks, they can succeed in course of time. We can give time to this new and novel phenomenon; it is worth an experiment.
