Why Arvind Kejriwal is no less a winner than Modi

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:    

Celebrate Modi, don’t just criticize him

Celebrate Modi, don’t just criticize him

Before you jump to conclusions, this blog is not a random praise of Narendra Modi. Neither does this extol you to vote blindly for him and his party.

Rags to riches story don’t happen every day. Agreed, Modi’s story is not a “rags to riches” story. His is a “plead to power” story. From pleading with his customers to buy tea to a man in power, and possibly set to become the PM of the country, Modi has traversed a long journey.  The road from plead to power is even more challenging, more difficult and crooked. You can become rich on your merits, but in a democracy you get to power by convincing others of your merits and establishing the trust and confidence of your supporters. Or, if you are a dynast, then, by being born in a particular family. Clearly, Modi belongs to the former category – none of his family members have ever been associated with politics.

Getting to power is like a race. Unfortunately, in this race, everyone doesn’t start from the very beginning. If you have strong political affiliations, you are planted near the end or at the end. But if you have to start from the very beginning with none to watch out for you, we have to credit the contender for their perseverance, hard work, dedication and laser- focus on the end goal.

In this race, all the contenders carry a bag-back which is used to gather experience on the way. The contenders planted near the end goal, hardly have time or ability to capture enough. But those who started from the beginning gather immense experience and learning and lessons learnt on the way. It makes them more wholesome in their abilities. The Modi of 2002 is different from the Modi of 2014. In 2012, we had a Modi with zero experience as an administrator. Come 2014 and we have an administrator with over 12 years of experience of running a government. Good experience can and should never be discounted. The Akhilesh Yadav of 2025 will be very different (read experienced) from the man we see today.

The race will end soon and winners and losers will be known to all. The winner will get all the credit; however, equal credit must also be given to organizers of the race. In this context, the democratic framework and citizens of India, who I believe are the biggest winners. While the BJP and Modi may or may not form the next government, it is a tremendous win for the country that a poor chai-walla Narendra today dreams to lead the country. Not only has he done something right to reach this position, but our fathers did us a great service to establish a framework where at least everyone can dream to race!

We can always find a reason to criticize the man, but be positive and celebrate the dreams of the man. 

2014 Indian Parliamentary Elections: Idealistic vs. Practical vs. Unknown Challenger

Indian Parliamentary Elections, 2014: Idealistic vs. Practical vs. Unknown Challenger

The 2014 Lok Sabha elections is the battle between three distinct visions of India. There are tons of details available in the speeches and interviews of their leaders. But simply put, it is a war between the three leaders, who represent the “practical” vision, the “idealistic” vision and the “unknown challenger”.

Arvind Kejriwal of AAP represents the most ideal vision of India. His idea of a corruption free, prosperous country, an honest nation, where there are no bribes, no money laundering. Arvind Kejriwal is the idealist- zero tolerance to corruption, crony capitalism, pure and shudh 100% honesty in politics. He challenges anything and everything that is wrong or has a whiff of dishonesty in it. He wants to lead us to a perfect world bereft of the demons of dishonesty and corruption. He is the ideal Vishnu avatar born to banish evil from our society forever.

The guy with the most likely chance of making it to the chair, Narendra Modi, presents the practical approach, where he will inherit the throne with all its biases and imperfections and turn it around, slowly but steadily into a country that is progressive and thrives on opportunities for everyone to grow and let grow. 

And finally we have an unknown challenger in Rahul Gandhi. It is ironic that he is labelled the challenger, since he is supposedly born to rule. But fortune only favors the brave. Lack of skills can only propel you so much. He asks questions with no answers. Questions which we all know.

Kejriwal represents the ultimate future state; Modi presents the roadmap along with the low hanging fruits.

Where will your vote go?