APP shocks Indian political establishment

When a months-old political party formed the new government in the important Indian state of Delhi, many rubbed their eyes in utter disbelief. The reason was obvious. How could such a new organisation with virtually no background in politics make such a stunning record? Yes, this has been a record indeed in the sense that the Aam Aadmi party (party of common man) defeated two main Indian political parties - the ruling Congress and the main opposition BJP-- in the polls recently. The Congress bagged only eight seats in the 70-member house of the Delhi state and was unseated from power. The BJP gained and emerged as the largest group with 32 seats, but fell short of the required seats to form the government.

The offer to form the new government then came to the AAP, which secured 28 seats. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal did not immediately jump to form the government, which is clearly a big attraction. He instead took time to assess whether the electorate would relish his government even though the party could not secure an absolute majority. He sought opinion of the people and was convinced that the people wanted him to form the new government since they were disenchanted with the two major parties and looked for a change. Arvind Kejriwal took oath as the chief minister in a rather sensational political development. He beat in the elections Congress chief minister Sheila Dixit convincingly, making his electoral debut against the seasoned and two-time chief minister.

It was all possible because the AAP emerged in the political scene of the country with a promise of making every effort to curb corruption, particularly in the higher echelons. It promised to give maximum facility from the government to the common people, who are mired in myriad problems. The AAP said the woes of the masses know no bounds and hence is the need for a government for the 'Aam Aadmi' -- common people. The new chief minister and his cabinet colleagues promised not to increase their income and property, lead a simple life and remain above all corrupt methods.

In the first decision of the government, drinking water was made free for the people with certain ceiling and other means were being explored like very cheap transportation, electricity etc., that would directly benefit the people. The chief minister came to take oath riding a metro train and jettisoned unnecessary security arrangements.

All these heralded something new in India of 1.20 billion people -- the largest democracy in the world. Although, the leftists did similar things in the past in states like Kerala and West Bengal before, the AAP caused a storm in the corruption-ridden political milieu of India, controlled by typical conventional politics.

Earlier, elderly Gandhian Anna Hazare caused a stir in India by launching an anti-graft movement that drew the attention of the nation to the perilous state of affairs in the governance of the country. He called for drastic laws to eradicate corruption, but the Congress-led coalition government dragged its feet. However, finally, the laws were enacted only recently.

Arvind Kejriwal, a former income tax inspector, was one of the close associates of Hazare, who is keen to maintain a non-political character of his movement against corruption. But Arvind and some others felt that it is difficult to implement the programmes that they were espousing unless political support is available. So, they decided to float a political party and made debut in the electoral race in the all-important Delhi state with instant success. Now, they would seek to expand their political arena with eyes fixed on national elections scheduled within a few months. It is understandable that the task is difficult for a new party, but the AAP is planning in that direction.

It is not easy for the AAP to fulfill all the programmes. However, it insists that much can be done if the will is there and corruption from all levels is drastically reduced if not eliminated. The electorate has given verdict to such promises. Evidently, the AAP would spare no effort to accomplish its electoral promises.

The tasks ahead of the AAP are daunting, but it is not impossible to attain them. People will understand the new government's limitations. What they want is sincerity and honesty on part of those who would govern them.

The AAP stands for this innovative thought in the Indian political arena and it is for this reason that the party was able to elbow out established big parties in the Delhi election. It is worth watching how far the Delhi government can perform as it has also some problems of majority in the legislature. Nonetheless, the AAP government is a symbolic protest against the typical pattern of politics that mostly turns a blind eye to the hopes and needs of the masses.

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