First a confession. I have supported Arvind Kejriwal (AK) and his efforts to reach out to a larger audience for the Delhi polls. I have met him a couple of times and got to understand him. I am not a party worker of AAP and hence retain the freedom to criticize them when needed. Being a sucker for a clear mandate, I also believe that AAP may not be the party for the 2014 polls.
But here are my 15 reasons as to why India needs Arvind Kejriwal (AK)
- AK has rekindled the hope of an aspirational India in democracy and honest governance. He has made us believe that people with good intentions would also be in a position to govern India.
- As a nation, we should empower those who are not scared of losing. India needs people who are decisive enough to act by their convictions without worrying about winning or losing. AK is the man.
- India's problems are deep rooted-- corruption, inefficiency, red tape, lack of transparency, clinging to power. Disruptive methods are required to change this. I would go to the extent that we need a bit of anarchy. We need to swing the pendulum a bit to the other side to bring the balance back. AK is the man for that. The Modis and the Gandhis cannot do it, with their coteries and advisors around.
- The chatterati parrots what has been fed to them by the lobbies through the media. It is fashionable to talk about budgets, deficits, affordability, economy, world trade, subsidies etc. We scream about concessions to the poor and ignore the largesse given to the big few-- land, natural resources, mining, oil, gas, spectrum, monopolistic contracts etc. Any national wealth re-distribution must benefit the poor. It is time we change our policies to benefit those who need them. We can surely afford free drinking water to the poor by making those with bath tubs and swimming pools pay? And much can be added to this list.
- By taking up the challenge of the Salman Khursheeds and Kapil Sibals, AK has proved that he can accept a challenge when convinced. By taking the plunge into politics, AK proved that he is a man of courage.
- We are most affected by criticism from people we admire and idolize. Through out this campaign, Team Anna did not spare any effort to bring him down. Through out the ordeal, AK did not lose his dignity in response nor threw in the towel. He was resilience personified. India needs such people in public life.
- Somewhere along the way, we seem to be losing our biggest trait: Giving up comforts and luxuries and lead by example. AK by his behaviour can bring minimalism back in vogue, and may well make it fashionable too.
- The first and foremost responsibility of governance is to convince people that the law is equal to all. To enable this, We need to create a transparent system of governance that people exercising power loathe. If any one can create a transparent system, AK is the man.
- I am exhausted by the political class's claim that they have chosen politics as a career to serve the country. We have to remove the entrapments of power, regulate and remove any and all special and discretionary powers. Let them chose politics as a career and serve the country post the changes. Let them give up power and still serve. Again, AK scores.
- The two party system has failed the country. The absence of Left has left a big void. The big two have been living in a comfort zone with ' there is no alternative (TINA)' policy. We need to demolish TINA by the big two, and AAP is a viable national alternative.
- The argument that we need administration that has experience is a big hog wash. Most governments in India have been formed to control and benefit the few at the cost of many. Liquor contractors control excise, and criminals control home ministry. Many governments in India have people with zero and minus qualifications in governance. At least AAP has the right intent and in AK they have a person who is qualified too.
- AK Has broken the entry barrier in politics. He has fanned a resurgence where the youth can aspire to be career politicians. We no longer have an excuse for not participating in the democratic process and just criticizing from the comfort of our drawing rooms. As a result we have a more open and vociferous polity than ever before.
- Anna may have been the face of the Lokpal movement, but AK is the trigger and catalyst. A government which did not budge during the hunger strike by Anna passed it [albeit a diluted version] without discussion when they lost an election in Delhi. The political class only understands one language -- the fear of losing our vote.
- The political class should always be worried and work to retain our vote. With the Delhi elections, they realized that we can look for, and empower an alternative beyond what is presented to us over the years. That should make all governments more responsible
- At its peak, the Anna movement had the support and adulation that is unparalleled in history. It could have achieved results that are beyond what it sought, but achieved far less. The result of such a movement are abysmal so as to de-motivate any such movement in future. If Anna can claim any good result, it is the birth of AAP.
Advertisement
In my last meeting with AK, much before the Delhi election results had come, AK told me. "Maheshji, we want to give good governance in Delhi. and then lay a claim over national polity in 2019". I am sure he would be goaded to alter his path now.
However, I for one would be wishing and praying that AK succeeds. We are invested in him. INDIA needs AK more than AK needing India. He is a hope. He is an aspiration. He has committed himself. He has strong convictions. He is resilient. I may not agree with all his policies, but he comes with the right intent. He is educated and well qualified. If any body can transform the society we live in, AK can.
Good luck Arvindji. I hope you succeed. For me. For us. For my children. For the future generations. Transform. Change. Go for the jugular. I hope and pray that you win.
Advertisement
Former Outlook publisher Maheshwer Peri now runs Pathfinder Media, the magazine company which publishes Careers 360.
