Arvind Kejriwal resigned; The Aam Aadmi Party government
tumbled down quicker than its ascent. The Twitter and FB are full of jokes
about AK, even the new show decided this episode elicits more laughter than the
double meaning jokes. DRAMA ANARCHY BHAGODA are the buzz words, A twitter
search on AK currently will put Justin Beiber to shame. The Government is gone
but the tongues haven’t stopped lashing. The AAP claim it a moral victory, the
spurge in donation as proof, the detractors have come all guns blazing
especially the NaMo brigade. They sense it as a chance to remove and discredit
the last obstacle to victory.
Was it Martyrdom or was it Hera-Kiri, or was it a planned
systematic murder?
Mind you … I am not here to defend AAP, though there is no denying
I identify with AAP more than any political movement in a country. I use the
word movement than a party as the latter limits the scope and vision that needs
to be associated with leadership.
For the second time in this country, there was a movement
mainly stemmed from the dissatisfaction and angst against the political setup
of the Country. For the second time it failed (though it’s premature to term
AAP as a failure, it sure has been halted). The system has emerged stronger
than those who oppose it. The JP Movement was against Indira Gandhi’s
autocratic and seemingly unconstitutional reign. They triumphed and the Janta
Party government was formed. The second movement was fuelled by unrestrained charges
of corruption against the incumbent Congress government and rising aspirations
of Indian citizens. They were triumphant in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal formed the
Government amidst expectations and criticisms.
We all know this, let me try to draw similarity between what
followed and reasons for the downfall.
·
Reluctance of top leadership to govern:
JP, though the supreme leader did not want to be associated with power. He was
the sole unifying leader and with his reluctance the dissatisfaction within the
party grew. Anna had already distanced him from politics and it was very
evident that AK will face challenges when it came to leadership. One can recall
a similar incident when Gandhi refused to be the political head of Indian Government.
The question that arises is whether the reluctance of such leaders to get
involved in politics a setback for such movements. Do they create an image of
being above the politics? Does the reluctance of getting their hands dirty send
a message that “Politics is a dirty business”?
·
Questions on inability of common man to rule:
This is a question that needs a lot
of debate. It has been debated for centuries and will be debated for eternity. Jealousy
and Leg pulling creates obstacles for leaders. Monarchy and dynastic politics
somehow seem to overcome this (unless of course there is a French Revolution).
·
Inertia to change: Despite the discontent
and cry for change, the society is set and gotten used to the existing system.
Some work it to their advantage while others learn to exist. A change in the
system creates a panic. People view change as disruptive, when the change in
larger in magnitude people term it “Anarchy”. The same people who want change, will
resist change when it happens.
·
Setting Goals that are difficult: As it always happens, a party that comes to
power after a change, sets goals that are drastic and impactful in nature,
which not only requires greater effort but can also seem very disruptive.
·
Promise to change the system: Aaah this is the basic premise for change.
However the most difficult as well. It also ends up being a witch-hunt. In 1997
Indira Gandhi was the object and Sheila Dixit and the Congress in 2013. Such
acts derail the movement and opposition creates obstacles for the government.
Both Janta Party and AAP tried to indulge in activities that implicate the former
government with two objectives. In their attempt to bring out the truth, any
implication of former government sullies the image of its leaders, while it
acts as a boost for theirs. It also creates an impact and increases it popularity.
·
Resistance by political system: Greater
the resistance to change, greater will be the force required to make it happen.
Arab spring was an example, the bloodbath in Syria continues. They are all cry
for change. Some succeed some do not. The ultimate symbol of change the French
Revolution was not just bloody, it changed the entire discourse of the human
story on this planet.
After the Berlin Wall fell and
Cold War ended, by 1991 the world was becoming unipolar. Meanwhile in India the
political world saw a paradigm shift, the rise of BJP made it Bi-Polar. So while the resistance in 77 was from
Congress alone, by 2013 it was double pronged.
However can we accuse the
political parties for it? I do not think so. They did what anyone for do for
their survival.
However in attempt to do that they tried to kill a movement
that was sustained by ordinary citizens who felt marginalized by the system.
The citizens of this country were just used as pawns in the power game. They used
get a chance once to vote and rest of the 5 years to reflect if they had made
the right choice. The elected representatives neglected them for 5 years and
expected them to be silent spectators while the government indulged in corruption,
criminalisation and mis-governance. They protested and succeeded. However the
political class was angry at the intrusion. They felt it was their privilege to
govern and make laws and they could not share that privilege with the cattle
class of this country. They reacted and created obstacles. Every move was not
only criticized but also thwarted.
Then the Aam Aadmi gave up and the government fell.
Was it Martyrdom or was it Hera-Kiri, or was it a planned
systematic murder? The jury is still out.
………..
The story still continues. The common man is trying to get
back at its feet again. The political class is more than prepared to crush it
again. The critics are out with their swords.
As I said, Greater the resistance to change, greater will be
the force required to make it happen. Luckily for India, all such attempts have
been peaceful for we are a peace-loving country and peace-loving people.
However the country feels marginalized and the anger is brewing ….
