Lessons from Delhi

Delhi election results have proven the opinion polls released before and after the elections to be exact. Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Admi Party have got another chance to rule another term with a huge mandate.

This time the Delhi elections got wide attention for two reasons. First of it is that, BJP was poised to win, after a sweeping win in all the seven constituencies in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Second one is that, the election came amidst of widespread protest and campaigns against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The observers were keen to know how the people would respond to the stubbornness of Modi-Amit Sha government who are not ready to move a inch back in CAA, National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The results resound that the saffron alliance has failed both the tests. The astonishing victory of Arvind Kejriwal is a matter to rejoice and give way for optimism as the mandate rejected a stirring campaign of the whole brigade led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, followed by chief ministers of eleven states and member of parliament who did not shy in spreading venomous hatred.

The country also witnessed the dramatic declaration of Ramakshetra Trust just before the elections. Obviously the mandate is vindication for Aam Admi Party as it could deliver all the promises it made before the public during the last few years regarding development. Kejriwal and his friends succeeded in solving the real life issues faced by the citizens who were deprived of development benefits for a long time though they were living in the capital territory of the country. The AAP government could realise the needs of the poor and limited income groups regarding the drinking water, electricity, traffic, education and others.

Though the fight for full statehood did not bear fruit, AAP worked within the restrictions without making that an excuse or justification. The mission was accomplished through a corruption free administrative system. Kejriwal cast a recommendable model for all other states. Patriotism or nationalism are not proved by rhetoric statements, discriminative actions or draconian laws; but by addressing the basic issues faced by the people, is the lesson imparted by the victory of Kejriwal.

Of the seventy constituencies, Okhla attracted public attention for it comprised Shaheen Bagh, the protest site of the ordinary women and children who are fighting relentlessly against the CAA. There, AAP candidate Amanathullah Khan pushed aside his opponent of BJP by a stunning majority of 71,827 votes. It is worth to recollect that no other, but Amit Shah screamed to voters that let Shaheen Bagh feel the current while pressing the button in voting machine.

If he is not devoid of little conscientiousness, he should step back from the moves regarding citizenship realising the election results are a setback and reflection rewarded by the people. Many are complaining of Arvind Kejriwal neither showing up at Shaheen Bagh nor supporting the protest. However, it will be more correct if it is read as a prudent stand as he is sensible to the fraudulent schemes of Modi-Shah duo that is playing with the soft emotions of the majority community.

However, AAP has marked their opposition against CAA in the parliament. The voters of Okhla also took cognisance of the situation and fulfilled their responsibility. There may be substance in the allegations that Kejriwal is a dictator who tactically expelled major personalities who stood with him during the formation of the party. It may also be read as a strategy to avoid division and groupism. Notwithstanding, Kejriwal is demanded smart actions to prove that his victory is a teaser to a national level victory, as he claimed after the results.

The Congress is once again condemned to be satisfied with a big zero position after facing the same fate in 2015. Though the leaders acknowledge mistakes, the party is yet to find a capable national leadership at the helm to correct the course. The destitution of the party is obvious in Delhi too. The public dare to stop the communal forces that want to push the country into the ultimate doom of hatred and mutual suspicion. But, are we to acknowledge that secular and democratic parties are not willing to lead such a public? Pity, is all that could be said.