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.

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