Brighter Days Ahead!

We all know that 21^st December happens to be the longest night of the year, a natural phenomenon – where we do not have any control. The duration of the day starts increasing thereafter till the longest day is recorded on 21^st June.

Though, it is a mere coincidence, but for India this date has added one more dimension. As the longest night ended with a new dawn, AAP – the Aam Aadmi Party tightened its belt and with its series of meetings with the common men spread over Delhi decided to stake its claim for forming the Government. And with 28 MLAs, coincidentally again, on 28^th December 2013 – Arvind Kejriwal’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister of Delhi brought cheers on the faces of the otherwise disillusioned common man, not only in Delhi but throughout the country. May this day prove to be a game changer for India and Indian Politics; may this be the harbinger of change, which its common people had been waiting patiently for years and years!

With Arvind Kejriwal at the helm of affairs of AAP, with his past track record and his commitment to fight corruption head-on; common populace is beaming with confidence – that things will change. However, how long his stint will last and how much he can do within this period is at the mercy of Congress – a party which Arvind Kejriwal abhors and has not requisitioned their support!

Effectiveness of Arvind Kejriwal could be seen on Day one itself at the Secretariat, where there were no vehicles with the ‘Laal Batti’ – the symbol of power in India! The Common Man has arrived!

What happens on the floor of Delhi Assembly on 3^rd January 2014, by which AAP has to prove majority – only time will tell. But, it is crystal clear that with the arrival of AAP the hardened political parties will now have to change the way they think, the way they function and the way they treat the common man – else they would have to blame themselves for all their arrogance.

For AAP - it is just a beginning and if they wish to stay for long and effective; they must stay focused, unbiased and committed to the cause of the nation. And this is possible only if they do not get attracted to various ‘juicy lollipops’ that may be dangled before them in their arduous journey ahead.

In this context, I would again like to give example of Asom Gan Parishad – AGP – about which I wrote earlier in one of my Posts – ‘India Against Corruption- Now a Naram Dal and Garam Dal’ dated September 2012. Asom Gan Parishad – which took birth as a result of six year long agitation by All Assam Students Union (AASU) – was once a party led by highly motivated student leaders with clean image. But today, it is just like any other political party with same type of political leadership.  I fear the same for Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party – it won’t be different than any other party – if it starts winning seats and stops the culture of being ‘krantikaris’!

All said, I wish that other political parties and responsible politicians must see the arrival of AAP as a good wake-up call, and they must mend their ways in time – else, AAP with its young, energetic, honest and committed band of common men would rout them. And no one would be there to mourn their departure, rather all would be happy to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people – in real sense!

May 2014 be the year of change, year of achievements, year of new dreams - for all of us - the ordinary Indians!

Expectations from 2014 !

The year 2013 would be remembered by all of us for the successful launch of Mangalyaan- Mars Orbiter Mission by our scientists on 5^th November 213. It is a matter of great pride, satisfaction and great rejoice that so far the Mangalyaan is right on its path in its about 10 month long journey- due to reach its destination on 24^th September 2014! Let us keep our fingers crossed and pray for its successful journey – which would undoubtedly put India at an enviable position in terms of its scientific competency. Successful journey of the Mars Orbiter would be one of the biggest milestones for India in the year 2014 and it would certainly inspire the generations to come. India has produced astronomers like Aryabhatta in the past and today ISRO can boast of world-class team of astronomers, scientists and mathematicians. Though we are the forth country to do it, we can say with pride we are second to none!

While the Mangalyaan brought cheers in November, the handcuffing and humiliation of Indian diplomat Ms Devyani Khobragade by US Authorities on 12^th December 2013 has shocked us all. The irresponsible, highhanded and humiliating ways of US only proves its arrogance and disrespect towards the biggest democracy of the world. It is unfortunate and must be condemned strongly – not only by Indian authorities, but by all the well wishers of India and those who value Indo-US relations. Would US ever tolerate such treatment to its own diplomats in a foreign land? In all probability, it won’t and it would do everything to teach a lesson to the erring nation and would justify it too. Astonishingly, but it is a matter of great satisfaction that good sense prevailed and all the major political parties of India have come together in registering their strong protest. They all have a common opinion – on at least this issue. India must do everything to uphold the self-esteem of Indians and draw apology from the highest office of US. Today only, I was going thru a book on Universe, it states that even Stars are not permanent – they too die! Let good sense prevail on USA in 2014 and always.

The year 2013 would be also remembered for the surprise entry and active participation of the common mass in political field. Politics is considered as a strict no-no for a common man, but the emergence of Aam Aadmi Party is forcing the much required change. Big political parties are learning that the common man or an ordinary Indian can’t be ignored now.  It is unfortunate that 2013 also saw splitting of Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal – an unfortunate development – since together they could unite the entire country – on the issue of corruption – wherein people from all the cross sections of the society came together. While the ‘sarkari’ Lokpal Bill has been already passed in both the houses of Parliament for which Anna Hazare expressed satisfaction while Arvind Kejriwal calls it a ‘Jokepal’ , ‘Jan’ Lokapal Bill of ‘Aam Aadmi Party’ led by Arvind Kejriwal is awaited. The star-like performance of Aam Aadmi Party in its maiden attempt has put a lot of responsibility on it, and would be an acid test for Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP team. AAP is getting an opportunity to form government in Delhi with Arvind Kejriwal most likely as the Chief Minister – and in case it is able to impress the Delhites with its good governance, AAP would be a force to reckon with in the coming Loksabha elections – at least in some of the states which are languishing for long under corrupt government. God forbid, in case, it fails in Delhi in the eyes of the common man, it would be the end of AAP story! Hence, AAP must tread with positivity and cautiously for the sake of the nation and its ordinary populace, as its ideology is what the nation is yearning for since independence.

Entire country is looking with lot of expectation and respect towards Aam Aadmi Party – for, it has taken head-on with the big political parties and their bigwigs - challenging their authority and functioning. In the current scenario of hung Assembly, AAP needs more courage and conviction. With the challenge of forming Government at debut and that too in Delhi, AAP will have to tighten its belt and take the plunge with commitment and honesty.

An Ordinary Indian wishes the Aam Aadmi Party good luck for an exemplary stint of good governance in the heart of the country- Delhi.

I wish that the New Year 2014 brings with it lot of happiness, prosperity and peace to one and all. Let this be the year of change!

madhukarmohan@gmail.com