On Dharnas and Governance: Views of an “Aam” supporter
Dear Arvind: I am writing this open letter in anguish mixed with hope. I am writing this because I felt I could not stay silent any more. I am writing this because I felt I had to speak up – not just for my sake, but for the sake of thousands of our members, volunteers and supporters.
I watched the events of Monday and Tuesday this week with dismay and discomfort. They have, frankly, left me bewildered.
I wonder whether the actions of the Law Minister were appropriate in law (even if they may have right in spirit)? I wonder if such actions do not border on vigilantism? I wonder if such actions can be defended or justified?
I also wonder what was the real intent of the Dharna? Was it meant to be a show of strength? Was it meant as a pressure tactic? Was it meant as an expression of solidarity for a beleaguered colleague?
Our actions over the past two days have been seen as irresponsible. Our volunteers, supporters and well-meaning friends are finding it difficult to explain, to justify and to defend the sight of an elected CM and his cabinet protesting in a manner that appears to be inconsistent with the dignity and propriety of the office they hold. The feedback I have received from our supporters  is not encouraging. It is in fact, worrying.
More worrying than these actions have been certain utterances. Some of these utterances have come across as being arrogant, insensitive and boorish. There have also been comments made in the context of celebrations on 26th January. Many of our volunteers and supporters have grown up watching this symbolic, but wonderfully inspiring, spectacle of national pride.
But 26th January is not just about a parade. It is also a day to remember our soldiers and martyrs. It is also the day of Bravery Awards. I happened to pass by Rajpath yesterday. And my heart swelled with pride just looking at the rehearsals. The Republic Day celebrations are among the very few tenuous connections we have with the “Idea of Indiaâ€. Let us please not break this bond. Let us agree to not make this a tool in political negotiations.
There is a time and a place for street protests. But street protests do not fall in the realm of governance. The anger and impatience is likely to create more problems at this stage than solve anything.
We need to do some introspection. We need to think if we are being seen as a band of “disrupters” than as a party that wishes to re-define governance in India. Let us please not exhaust our goodwill. Let us not test public patience.
We are not beyond the point of irretrievable ignominy.  There is no reason we cannot redeem ourselves. But for that we have to do better than a Dharna. We have to “governâ€. Let us please not lose sight of that.
Let us show Delhi’s citizens what good governance is. Let us become models of public conduct. Let us become examples of leadership.  Let us make sure that the Aam Aadmi  of India is proud of the Aam Aadmi Party.
– Your Aam supporter and a fellow traveler on this path. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
Image via screenshot (ET report)
Arvind Kejriwal, the outlier new Chief Minister of Delhi is trying to govern differently, eliminating bureaucratic red tape and engaging citizens/voters efficiently using technology.
We are a real Aam Aadmi’s Technology Company and ready to empower any Government, Organization and Political Party to help serve Aam Aadmi. As a technology company, we are frustrated with political leadership and their lack of imagination in utilizing technology to serve citizens more effectively and efficiently.
Very well said. This is the heart of a true patriot and a rational person. My heart also cries. Not for AAP so much as for Shantanu! I knew well that AAP is not a right platform for a critical thinker like Shantanu. I heard Chetan Bhagat yesterday. He spoke so lucidly. So did Capt Gopinath. The behaviour of the law minister makes all Indians hang their heads in shame.
AAP does not have any vision or strategy. Their leaders are just like other netas. They speak the same language. Where are the promises they had made to the people of India? Where are the manifestos for each constituency? What about the jan sabhas?
AK and his team now has eyes on 2014 elections. They want to bathe in the hype and hoopla created by the media in the light of the Delhi assembly elections. I am sure good people will start leaving the party soon. And, the beginning of the end has begun!!
May God save India!
I was eagerly waiting for this post. I knew you had to say something!
I feel re-assured that you have realized the folly of the misguided Messiah.
These happenings make us hang our head in shame. I am a born Delhite, and work very near to the place the Dharna was held. It was painful to see the aam aadmi go through all the pain and agony just for the sake of egos of some khaas aadmi’s!
Everything about it was wrong, as you have aptly said in your post. I need not repeat it.
One person described it very well that day when we were trying to make way to our homes – “..and all for the sake of one Jhadoo!”
Dear Shantanu Sir,
Thanks for the post because it made me clear as I was in dilemma about this incidence, that was it right or wrong? Was it a correct step of AAP and Mr.Kejriwal.
Keep enlightening us.
AAP seems to be moving swiftly to address as many big issues as they can possibly manage. I feel that the media are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. Honestly, number of bedrooms in CM’s bungalow, the republic day parade, and a few arrogant or idiotic words here or there do not add up to any substantive issue. I wouldn’t join the media chorus in criticising AAP just because of those.
Shantanu,
Let not the perfect be the enemy of the good. AAP may be good but very far from perfect. That and the perception of making a difference is what led you to join the AAP.
But …
Not clear why AAP is contesting hundreds of seats in the LS. AAP is really confused about many things and they should not even be contesting LS at this time and nor should AK be positioning himself as a potential PM. If they win any, they will add to the confusion and decrease chances of stable/good governance. Their behavior over the last month provides sufficient data for their methods and ideas and, more worryingly, the calibre of individuals in lead positions.
More than ever, India needs a parliament that is not hung, and preferably led by experienced hands with a track record, led by an outstanding individual. If you are rational, do the right thing for LS 2014. If you use logic, then maximizing the BJP/NDA total is the best possible outcome in the LS 2014 election. I know you’ve said that AAP can benefit BJP. I don’t think that is plausible in places where AAP is likely to have some impact. People will make risky choices when faced with certain loss (UPA 3). AAP will be a very bad choice as it reduces any chances of a stable government. Let them govern Delhi and use it to develop their track record and make a play for other states and the nation later.
Dear AAP,
I have a few questions to AAP.
Kindly see the attached write-up.
I will be honoured to receive your considered reply.
Nagarajan
Questions to Aam Aadmi Party
I am a fan of Shri Arvind Kejriwal and Prof. Yogendra Yadav. I am an Aam Aadmi Party supporter, (Prospective) AAP Voter and an aam aadmi. I have following questions to AAP.
I remember the words of Prof Yadav when AAP was founded. “ even if we don’t win any seats, the way we fight this election will give confidence to aam admi to look for more participation in our democratic process and the honesty of our campaign will hopefully catch on to other political outfits also. I congratulate AAP for achieving both of the above. In addition AAP has won handsomely a large number of seats in Delhi assembly. As a bonus AAP also formed a minority government in Delhi. My best wishes to Arvindji as a Chief Minister. I also appreciate AAP’s dilemma about taking outside support from Congress.
· My question: Why are you not able to convince the general (non-AAP) public that you are not a B-team of Congress? Are you willing to be used by Congress to spoil the chances of BJP, the only national party capable of replacing the corrupt Congress Govt.?
I am extremely happy that AAP will be contesting in Parliament elections also. I am, being outside Delhi in Mumbai, eagerly expecting to know whether AAP will be contesting from my constituency in Mumbai North East. My vote will be surely for AAP. But I am still not ready to become a member of AAP, because I still do not AAP in the national scene. What will be the policy of AAP on national issues, such as: Foreign Affairs (Afghan issue, Pakistan/Bangladesh, Srilankan Tamils issue etc), Economics and Commerce ( FDI in retail and core sectors, Nuclear Energy, Environment), Reservation policy (Minorities, Creamy Layer, Financially oppressed), just to name a few. I am sure you are working on these policies and will announce them well before elections. However I feel your membership drive should have waited till the formation of these policies.
· My questions: It appears as of now you are planning to contest about 100 seats. You had earlier come out with a list of 10 corrupt UPA ministers who should be defeated in the next elections. Are you planning to fight all these ministers in the elections? What is your strategy to defeat them? Are you planning to work with other non-UPA parties to achieve this? What will be your plan of action in those constituencies where you are not contesting? Will you work against both UPA and NDA candidates?
When AAP was founded, promises were made that AAP will be equidistant from BJP and Congress. Now many prominent people are joining AAP. Naturally they are fed up with the politics of both BJP and Congress. Still some will be more anti-BJP and less anti-Congress and some others the other way. Already I could see such varying trends. Other parties are playing their fiddles by suggesting of a contest between communalism and corruption. As for me, Congress is extremely corrupt (much more than BJP); BJP is not all that exceptionally communal. All other parties are also equally communal including the Congress. In my constituency if AAP is not contesting, then my vote will definitely go to BJP, as a sure way to defeat the Congress.
· My Question: After the Parliament election, if a Delhi-like situation happens, with BJP becoming the single largest party with say 200 seats (NDA – 220), what will be the position of AAP, say with about 50 seats? Will it work with BJP/NDA? Or will it support Congress stitch a coalition to uphold the ‘noblest ideal’ of keeping the ‘communal’ elements away? Or will it abstain from taking any position and be in the opposition either way?
AAP has a duty to tell the voters like me their position before hand. There is no chance of you forming a government on your own, not even a minority government as in Delhi.
Thanking you for raising the level of Politics in our country,
L V Nagarajan
Dear Nagarajan,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BJP-not-Congress-our-main-rival-AAP-says/articleshow/29380494.cms
Will give you a very clear cut answer. In my humble opinion, you should rein in your natural instincts and go with your current second choice (BJP), regardless of the merits of the respective candidates (although I do hope the candidates have merits). This is called strategic voting.. The goal is to have a stable central government (see the President’s republic day address.. It is almost as if he was recommending people to vote BJP or very nearly so).
Dear Shantanu
I hope you will understand a saying in Marathi ” शहाणà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤²à¤¾ शबà¥à¤¦à¤¾à¤šà¤¾ मार” it can happen only form a true thinker for nation and it’s subjects. AAP Ministers and some of the volunteers are acting as Law in to themselves. What is the difference between them and Congress Ministers and there sycophant goons? Is there a word ” CIVILISED” not understood by AAP or it is not in their dictionary?
Dr. Ambekar.
You are all going to vote for AAP and gift India a hung parliment. As the track record shows AAP will join hands with Indira Congress and let IC rule the country again. We all have a vote and we can do whatever with it. AAP is not ready to rule Delhi (which is probably 1/10th the size of TN, MH, Gujarat), let alone country. Dont vote for AAP and let IC come in through back door. This is just common sense. I would take a matured politician than an politician that swears on his children and does something opposite. If common sense does not prevail, India is going to be the next Egypt. In our blind hatred for somethign and foolish love for something, common sense goes out the window. Take decisions through head, not through heart.
Agree with Shantanu.
Without abiding by laws we are at risk of descending into a a mobocracy. The developments in Delhi are ominous.
For those who are still confused I strongly recommend reading George Orwell’s Animal Farm for some perspective.
“The way to hell is paved with good intentions”.
Khujliwal’s way, and, unfortunately , your good intentions.
If you, who is reasonably savvy, could join them image the case of the un-knowing youth who have joined AAP.
AAP= sAAP=Amateyr assholes Party. I said that 1 YEAR ago!
Excerpts from Why I haven’t quit AAP despite disagreeing with it: Captain Gopinath:
…
Why I haven’t quit AAP despite disagreeing with it: Captain Gopinath
The AAP has put traditional parties and their politics on watch and given hope to the common people.
…Though I’ve disagreed publicly on many acts and pronouncements of AAP and its leaders, including Kejriwal, I continue in the party as I continue to admire the ‘Man Kejriwal’ though I continue to disagree with many of the actions or inactions of the party and also the manner in which some in the party have conducted themselves.
I am demanding from my party the same exacting standards of rectitude and accountability which the AAP demanded and expected of other political parties. That’s what brought us, the AAP, to power in the first place.
…
I think it is the duty of all of us to express our opinion freely without rancour or personal agenda if one is in disagreement. Kejriwal himself repeatedly exhorted the press and the people of the party to give him feed back if they felt that AAP was not conducting itself in an exemplary manner. So any dissenting view must be taken in the right spirit.
…all transgressions and tentative missteps of AAP which I have criticised, along with many admirers and supporters who are not its members, pales into insignificance compared with the Himalayan blunders of traditional parties in recent years.
Hats off to Captain Gopinath and to AAP, and also, to Shantanu. This is great for India. The quality of debate has certainly improved post AAP’s great showing in Delhi. Some of the otherwise shrill channels, too, have begun to talk sense once in a while! Let us hope this openness is here to stay.
@Shantanu
Gopinath says he continues in AAP because he admires kejriwal. You think now, if you’ve to be in a party just for admiration of its leader, BJP scores much high. Captain’s admiration is in wrong place. He says ‘regardless of seats won in loksabha’, but you know well that next 25yrs will be screwed if UPA3 comes. So captain’s priorities are misplaced. Kiran Bedi was in IAC, you should read and think about her position who has higher respect and social background than captain. Also, captain’s track record on being proud of Indian history, culture, diversity is zero unlike you. He can partner with terrorists, naxals and anarchists, but I’m confident that you cannot and you will get out soon.
“pales into insignificance compared with the Himalayan blunders of traditional parties in recent years” – This is the typical ‘everyone is bad’ attitude of AAP and this is a childish opinion with zero intellectual substantiation. AAP asks muslims seperately, cuddles with terrorists who threatened Taslima, joins hand with terrorists like PFI in Kerala, totally against the nation’s position on kashmir, closely alligns with marxists, makes impractical election offers and freebies, promotes subsidy culture, rolls back on childish promises made before election, not trustable. Last I know, you were exactly against all of these.
It cannot be disagreed that AAP is doing something new which traditional parties have not done. But this ‘new’ thing is not a ‘good’ thing and not a ‘trustworthy’ thing. Not more than 10% of their actions allign with philosophies of right minded people like you, its not worth sacrificing 90% of what you stand for just to gain 10% allignment.
As far as BJP is concerned, this is no more a traditional party. Since modi took charge, the entire approach is changed. They don’t talk divisive anymore like what Varun did in 2009, they don’t talk about religion, quota, subsidy etc any more. This BJP is not same as the earlier one. Never before in BJP, people paid to listen to them. So, today’s BJP is the version of AAP that has ‘new’ ideas but ‘good’ ideas that help this great country.
It is natural to ignore BJP due to the influence of our mind that wants to show itself as neutral and apolitical. There is nothing wrong in learning the lesson and taking a step back, its in fact a great quality. I hope and I’m sure you will take this as a lesson, get out of AAP and rethink better options for taking this country forward.