AAP claims itself to be heralding an era "clean politics"

AAP claims itself to be heralding an era "clean politics"

People thronged the Ramlila Madian , to see a government with a historic verdict being sworn in. The media followed Mr Kejriwal, as he stepped out of his house to start for the Ramlila Maidan. He could be seen getting into his humble car, with his characteristic cough. Every inch the "aam aadmi", whom the Delhites  voted for. The function started a little late, though perfectly acceptable by Indian Stretchable Time.

In the meanwhile , Ramlila Maidan- a place teeming with hope and energy, resembled its Anna Movement avataar. The AAP claims itself to be heralding an era "clean politics". In their own words they are "against the political establishment." But somehow today that image was dented when workers of the party bent down to touch Mr Kejriwal's feet. The funding allegations against the party do not do the the party any good. If it indeed is an alternative, it has to stay away from all the things which it objects to , in other political parties.

After taking the oath, the CM addressed the people assembled in the Maidan. He mentioned the admirable goal of making Delhi totally corruption free and encouraged people to record evidences of corrupt officials using their mobile phones and promised the an anti corruption help line within next three days. But he didn't mention  cash exchanged to accelerate processes in an over encumbered system or for advancement of personal interests. He  took on tax evasions by traders in Delhi, and promised that they could carry on with their business without harassment, if they paid their taxes on time. He also enumerated the achievements of his 49 day government and said that his experience with governance had showed him that, there was no dearth of money. This being true, would be extremely helpful for him, as he would get means to implement his manifesto.

The Delhi Chief Minister could not resist taking a jibe at the BJP, by stating that the people of Delhi have rejected the party which supports  vandalisation of churches. Barring a few instances, the speech was almost apolitical in nature. A demand for complete statehood for Delhi , and a reminder that the same was a part of the BJP manifesto for many years were also a part of the speech. The Delhi Chief Minister further said that this was a historic opportunity to give Delhi statehood, as the government in the Centre and the Government in the Delhi legislative assembly, were both in majority. Ironically , the VIP culture was also attacked in the tax payer funded , swearing -in extravaganza at the  Ramlila Maidan. The speech ended by the Chief Minister singing a prayer , for harmonious coexistence of people in the society.

The enraptured audience listened carefully to every word. And so they should, after all he is the aam aadmi. AAP should start worrying about the promises the manifesto promises to fulfil. The wifi, the water, the electricity, the schools and colleges, the tax reductions, the hospitals and the CCTVs - people wanted them all. True, the AAP had been given five years to fulfil its promises, but the countdown begins on day one itself.  History wasn't made, it's waiting to be made!

 Aparna  Pande pandeaparna@ymail.com>