First thing first! My heartfelt
condolences for Khushwant Singh – who left us all on
20th March 2014. He epitomized life in true sense. And what a meaningful
life he lived, peaceful death he had and graceful adieu he received! A dream
run!
The Financial Year 2013-14 is coming to an
end with good gains in stock market. In general, the mood is upbeat, may be
with expectations in the air – before the largest democracy of the world gets
engaged in electioneering.
The atmosphere is getting charged up as
the lists of candidates are getting finalized by various political parties, the old horses are switching
sides, new forces are getting ready for making big stride and new equations and alliances are
being worked out by the political parties to enhance their electioneering
might. All sorts of comments, accusations by the political parties against
their rivals appears to be high on agenda for each of the parties. While one
party accuses the other of communalism, the other accuses of wide corruption
and mudslinging goes on. Such accusations would become more and more acidic and
cacophonous – till the campaigning comes to a hault and votes are cast.
Going by the mood and reports pouring in
day in and out on electronic media, BJP appears to leading with its NDA allies,
Congress appears to be weak and trailing with its UPA allies and Aam Aaadmi
Party (AAP) appears to be making dent here and there and might win a few seats
including Delhi. But, it is too early to jump on conclusions.
This election is going to be different
than earlier elections, to some extent. There is no denying the fact that entry of Kejariwal
and his party AAP has made a lot difference. They have hammered well and deeply
into the psyche of all political parties, their leaders, the businessmen, the
youth and the common man that Corruption is the biggest threat and the prime
reason why our countrymen are still struggling to get the minimum basic needs
for themselves, for their family and for their society. Secondly, AAP has made
tremendous contribution in involving the youth and the common masses in
politics and making them aware about the importance of electing and empowering
the leaders with clean image. Thirdly, the political leadership is wary of the
common people now and they can’t fool them and take them for granted anymore –
atleast for now. During this election, the political parties are not taking
risk in fielding the known corrupt leaders. It certainly may be termed as AAP
Effect and a welcome development!
The AAP Effect would have been more
pronounced had the Kejariwal government in Delhi had been more sensible during its
short stint. It appeared to be in too much hurry and at times illogical. In my
view they should have made an effort in giving good governance in the heart of
the country – with available resources and powers – and while doing that they
could have simultaneously strengthened their position in the Assembly by
logical discussions, obtaining consensus on vital issues and then forwarding
them to the Centre. This could have placed them in an invincible position by
showcasing their maturity and understanding of issues. Alas, it couldn’t happen
and the people of Delhi had to sit on Dharna with AAP as an opposition and with
AAP as the government! Kejariwal and AAP might have worked out the strategy of
forming and exiting the government, but to some extent people did feel cheated.
Had he continued with conviction and sensible governance, AAP in particular and
the country in general would have been benefitted much more. And, in this General
Election, it could have been really a force to reckon with.
I admire Kejariwal and AAP for standing strong
against the corrupt, I admire his guts in challenging the Who’s Who of this
country. However, he should be careful in making such accusations and he should give such statements only when he has
enough evidences and resources at his hand, else, he would see himself buried deep
in piles of lawsuits filed against him. He should focus and preserve his energy
for doing good things rather than enervate himself in unproductive affairs.
The countdown for the biggest dance of
democracy has begun. Let’s hope it culminates in providing a stable, corruption
free, growth oriented government that would genuinely work for the poor and
uplifting their living conditions with all sincerity.
Let’s individually decide about the best
option available. Let’s vote for the best candidate and if no one fits our
conscience, let’s vote for ‘None Of The Above’ i.e. the NOTA option on the EVMs
and the Ballot Papers! Let’s we – the ordinary Indians - be the change agent.
