The Time to Act as a Change Agent

First thing first! My heartfelt condolences for Khushwant Singh – who left us all on 20^th 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.