Arvind Kejriwal (AK) has come up as an important force in
Indian politics. Only time will tell whether he will indeed be a force for
good. For now, we should give him an opportunity to prove himself. My take on
key issues concerning AK:
Water and Electricity
Subsidies: Unfortunately, subsidies have become an integral part of Indian
politics. Every political party indulges in this game to win votes. AAP has
just followed the game and it has paid dividends. However, it doesn’t make it a
right, well-thought decision. As a commentator said, if Narendra Modi (NaMo)
did this, he would first focus on getting the pipelines and setting up power
plants before making such promises. As seen in Gujrat, people are willing to
pay if they can get 24x7 access to basic amenities. Instead of trying to solve
the problem, AAP simply cashed on it like any other opportunistic political
party. This can be condoned if they change course and address the actual
problem now when they are in power. We will have to wait and watch.
Corruption: In
the next few months AAP should follow-on its promise of making life difficult
for the corrupt, irrespective of their status. It should not appear that they
are giving Congress any leeway or it will damage their reputation. Targeting
big-shots will go a long way in establishing their credibility. This is their
true advantage over any political party and they would do well to not let it
slip away. Again, we will have to wait and watch.
Economics: Given
that it was market liberalization that has given India its current level of
prosperity, left leaning instincts of AAP do worry me. If they can find a
balance between populism and effective economic policy, only then can they
provide India with a long-term solution. Again, here NaMo’s development model
and willingness to put development first gives comfort. NaMo is the only
politician who seriously talks about development and economic reforms as priority
one. AK may as well learn from it and display it during his term as the CM.
