Now, aam aadmi has many ‘collars’ and millions of expectations

Delhi’s CM-designate Arvind Kejriwal says the mandate is scary. And, so it is.

shishir

Shishir Tripathi | February 13, 2015


#aap   #kejriwal   #aam aadmi party   #delhi   #nelson mandela   #national capital region   #ncr  

In the 2009 biographical sports drama ‘Invictus’, South Africa’s president-elect Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) humbly accepts the reasonability of a question posed to him in a newspaper headline: 'He Can Win an Election but Can He Run a Country?’. The biopic of Mandela – the biggest apartheid hero of 20th century – beautifully portrays the struggle of the leader in fulfilling the aspirations of his people, craving for equality and greatness.

While watching the biopic I could not stop marvelling at the beautiful depiction of Mandela’s ‘unconquerable soul’. But what left me awestruck was the realisation of how people invest all their hopes and aspirations in one man. However, I cannot deny that the fall of such a man – should he fail to rise to the occasion – belies even the biggest of Greek tragedies.

It was sheer coincidence that the movie was followed by a half-an-hour argument with my friend on the future of Delhi, where AAP was elected to power two days back. While we differed on many issues, we agreed on one point—that people across all sections of society supported AAP in the current elections. Hence, the expectations are now from all quarters.

The support that AAP got did not come just from those engaged in blue-collar jobs. It also came from those sitting in plush offices in the national capital region (NCR). Their concerns are different and their expectations are higher than bijli, pani, sadak and corruption. It is about much more than that.

Govind KR who works with a consultancy firm has written a letter to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. Govind says he wrote on behalf of the common man, who because of his crisp branded attire or car is not considered one, but has to, nonetheless, face the same rigours of daily life.

In his letter, Govind wrote, “While your oath on February 14 would address the issues of corruption free Delhi, high water and electricity charges, and relief for small entrepreneurs, etc., I’m sure you’d ensure that all these are fulfilled to make things easier for Delhiites. But, there is one issue that I haven’t heard or seen any national representative even discussing about or being attentive too—that is “WORK PLACE HARASSMENT”. Your above said actions would take care of even that Aam Aadmi who doesn’t have a job or has retired. But what about the 20-45-year-old aam aadmi who works in the corporate offices of Delhi and NCR? Not that people beyond the age of 45 don’t work in corporate, but they, seemingly, become bosses by this age. And, so come to represent the work place harasser.”

Govind is just one among a host of people who have invested their faith in AAP and has been invited to take oath along with it, on February 14. There are many more out there.

Soon after winning the election, chief minister-designate Arvind Kejriwal said the mandate was “scary”. Indeed, it is scary as the Aam Aadmi now has many collars and millions of expectations. Hope, Kejriwal and his party rise to the occasion.

Comments

 

Other News

The Cost of Obesity

The latest episode of Checks and Balances focuses on the ticking time bomb of obesity in India, and Geetanjali Minhas of Governance Now spoke with a panel of experts. You can watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/mH

US-Iran deal: Path to peace or prelude to deeper regional quagmire?

In the midst of deep mistrust, the US and Iran are reported to have reached a framework deal for ending the West Asian conflict. But whether it will result in any meaningful breakthrough or pave the way for any lasting peace in the region, is in the realm of speculation.   During

Lived life, philosophy, spirituality and other enigmas

The Ashes Are Warm: Memories of a Lifetime Spent with UG Krishnamurti By Mahesh Bhatt and Sunita Pant Bansal Rupa Publications, 384 pages, Rs 495  

In Varanasi, fringe expansion vs. core heritage

For centuries, the urban framework of Varanasi was defined not just by its relationship with the sacred Ganga but by its multifaceted network of urban commons. Historic kunds, seasonal talabs (ponds), and open maidans served as the city’s basic ecological infrastructure. Th

What ails India`s skill development ecosystem

India’s skill development programmes were designed with a goal to make the young population ready with market-required skills and competencies, and to provide them with better employment opportunities. Yet the outcomes have fallen short of that goal: though over 1.6 crore individuals were trained acr

Cabinet passes resolution applauding PM on term record

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a resolution marking June 10, 2026, as a historic milestone in the journey of Indian democracy applauding Narendra Modi for becoming the longest-serving elected PM of the country. By establishing a record of 4,399 days of continuous service as an elected PM, he has s





Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter