The fall and fall of Arvind Kejriwal..

So Arvind Kejriwal finally decided to furnish a bond and get bail. Good for him. Frankly, the drama had dragged on a bit too long. And the “Sorry Sabhas” did not seem to be having any impact either (excuse the pun). I guess people are tired of apologies – and excuses.

They wish to see something positive. Something constructive. Something exciting. Something that grabs the imagination.

Like a pledge to make New Delhi the safest Indian city for women, with the lowest crime rate to boot.  Or a pledge to ensure that everyone in Delhi has access to clean drinking water – from the taps.  Or a pledge to ensure Delhi’s streets are clear of garbage.  Or a master plan to convert Delhi’s storm drains and nullahs into eco-corridors. That would be exciting!

Although I am no longer with AAP, I retain a strong sympathy for them. We badly need more people with integrity and commitment in politics. In that sense, India needs AAP. The question is can AAP regain the trust of the public that voted for it so overwhelmingly in December?

I think they can. But for that, AAP must leave the bitterness behind. They must look – and plan – ahead. AAP may yet come back to power in the elections in Delhi. It behoves them to prepare for this responsibility.

Prepare for it by widespread consultation on what a mega-city needs. Prepare for it by drafting experts in urban planning, experts in infrastructure development, experts who know how government finances work.

So that if power does come to the party once again, its tenure becomes a hallmark of ambition and achievement. If that becomes a reality, the party will be well on its way to become a national force in time to come. More importantly, it would be seen as having delivered. Which in itself would be a cause for celebration. Who knows, it may even emerge as a powerful force in 2019 – a literal example of re-birth from the ashes.

But even if it does not come to power, it would at least get the credit for putting forth some bold, innovative ideas in the public domain on how Delhi can be governed. Let this become its primary focus in the days to come. Let AAP reach out to the citizens of Delhi with ideas.

Ideas to improve their lives, rather than ideas to agitate & to protest. Ideas that go beyond “Mera Neta Chor Hai”. Ideas that inspire. Ideas that can capture the imagination.

Let AAP truly become synonymous with alternative (not disruptive) politics. Let it be at the forefront of redefining the political narrative.

This is not the impossible. It can be done. All it needs is strong will, determination and some clear-headed thinking – in the right direction.  I hope we see some of that. Soon.  जय हिंद, जय भारत!

Related Posts:  Arvind Kejriwal’s coming out party, Now worrying about Arvind Kejriwal, On Dharnas and Governance and finally my interview over at CRI on why I left the party