Why Arvind Kejriwal is no less a winner than Modi
Elections are over. Results are out. It is Narendra Modi all
the way! Absolute majority for a single party and 300+ seats for a pre-poll
alliance hasn’t happened in the last 30 years. And one man takes the honors – a
very well deserved too! I have previously mentioned that Modi’s journey is
something to celebrate, not criticize.
There are two very interesting observations about this
election season – one, the key theme in most voter’s mind was corruption and
the need for development, and two, the time of the ordinary Indian, the aam
aadmi has come and the dynasts are welcome to pack their bag and leave.
How did this transition happen? How did people in India
leave aside their feudal mentality, their caste associations, last minute
dole-outs and vote for the commoner, the “gareeb maa ka laal”? How is it that
caste and religion equations were not priority and the corrupt ways of the
dynasts failed miserably to draw people to them favorably?
Clearly, this transition has not happened overnight? While
Modi was the messiah that people saw who could resolve their problems and root
out corruption, Arvind Kejriwal’s contribution to educating the common man and
making them aware of the reality, was no less.
Many a time, we are unable to articulate the problem and the
solution seems so far away. Kejriwal was the man who gave a voice to the
common man, who articulated the problem and forced the issue of rampant corruption
and linked it to governance. He didn’t offer solutions. But by forcing the
right issues, the platform was relatively easy for Modi to project himself as
the ultimate problem solver.
People may demean Keriwal, but remember, he has always
maintained he is not in politics to enjoy power. His goal is to change the
politics of the country. His oft-repeated statements forced people to think
about real issues and vote for someone who they feel can solve their problems.
“Don’t vote for us. If you feel the Congress or the BJP or
the BSP can solve your problems, go ahead and vote for them”. And that is
exactly what people did in these elections. The problem was nicely laid out for
the common man. And the solution was there, in the form of Modi.
With a young electorate, it is expected to remain so. Future
elections will be less about caste or dole-outs. But they will be about real
issues. Kejriwal may himself remain out of the Parliament, but at least, he has
succeeded in influencing the way people vote.
Thanks Mr. Kejriwal! The country needs more people like you who
will continue helping ordinary voters frame the right question. Once the
questions are known, the solution will emerge too.
PS: Read also my blog on AAP and AK’s (incorrect) approach here:
