Despite Punjab Loss, Not An End Of Road For AAP
Jagdish Bali
(The writer is based at Kumarsain, Shimla)
Since his anti-corruption crusade with Anna Hazare and later dash into politics, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal seems to be influenced by Helen Keller’s idea, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”. His meteoric ascendency to Delhi chief ministership, his resignation and comeback wiping out opposition parties was no less than any adventure. He seems to have made adventurism modus vivendi of his political game. His allegations of corruption against many political big wigs, DDCA, his controversial snuggling up with radicals including his controversial stay at the house of ex-Khalistan Commando Force activist during Punjab polls was also in consonance with his streak of adventurism. Earning acronym AK-47 for himself, high time for him to check and balance his adventurism. The party top leadership and AK do need to recognise that politics is not a T-20 or ODI always. Its more a test match where you have to be patient. Blitzkrieg does not always help. Despite losing Punjab elections amidst high hopes, the AAP workers must always bear it in their minds that there is no ‘make or break’ in Indian politics. It has been a game of opportunities and possibilities. Remember the BJP had won only 2 seats in 1984 elections and today its ruling the country. Since independence out of 70 years of governance, the Congress party has ruled the country for 49 years. But in the last Lok Sabha elections, it ended up with 44 seats. So bad days and good days are inextricable parts of life hence of politics too. Moreover, the party has not been routed completely in Punjab as many are assuming and presuming. Getting 22 seats and staying runners up ahead of age old SAD-BJP combine is not that bad for the party that was fighting the vidhan sabha elections as debutant. This fact is enough for the party leaders like Kumar Vishwas, Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Bhagwant Man etc to convince the party activists that that the road does not end here. The onus is on them to stir and rejuvenate them. To make inroads into every state is not a walk in the park in the vast country like ours. However, ruling national capital is a plus point for AAP where from it can bounce back with a bang. Work up to the expectations of the people there will send out signals to the whole country and being it the national capital, it will influence the nation’s mood. To break into the citadels created by the BJP and Congress on national front is not an easy go. However, chances are there because the people are seriously looking for better but sensible option. Himachal can be the next ground where party can make its mark. Even if it gets one or two seats, isn’t it a plus? Kejriwal needs to be mature enough not to make any hasty foray or statement and then retract it. People not always forgive you for your every mistake.
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