Dr. Simmi Gurwara
Recently held Delhi Assembly election results have surprised many, especially the bigwigs of political battlefield. These biggies have been shown the door by the minnows in their dream debut. Jholla wallas, as they have been famously called, have come with a bang. These results have reinforced a commoner’s faith in old fashioned honesty which is conveniently sidetracked by our political big guns to safeguard their personal interests.
What an average citizen demands and expects is crystal clear by the virtue of these results. The covenant of integrity has reigned, routing those who sneezed at it in the first place. It’s a triumph which is being celebrated across the spectrum of citizenry not just confined to Delhi but to farther ends. The reasons are pretty much obvious. Firstly and fore mostly, these results have reignited the hope to have clean governance which is transparent in its dealings and open to scrutiny at any given point of time. People yearn for a governing body that provides safety, security, and a decent living to its people. It is not about the caste, class and creed cleavages any more. The electorate has come around as cleavage neutral. What they aspire is a system which delivers the goods. Empty words and delayed reactions have borne nothing but disillusionment. People are looking forward to scam-free, scandal-free, scar-free representatives who have the moral strength to bring about a constructive policy change; who have the moral stamina to lead our country on the road to recovery.
Secondly, these turnaround results have set the ball rolling for more surprises in the upcoming 2014 elections. It is going to have a snowball effect because common people are looking for change. It has been long since the skeletons of corruption have been tumbling out of our politicos’ closets with an unfailing regularity. They took the people for a ride; having a deep rooted confidence in divisive politics. But no more. The latest results in Delhi Assembly have yanked up the morale of many and punctured the inflated egos of the remaining.
Thirdly, it is a testimony of common people who are not swayed by the muscle and money power. It is a proof of people’s rationality which is constantly underrated by the power-houses for they believe they can get away with their failures by pouring forth fake emotions that lack sincerity. But the people can see through the tricks of their netas’ trade. They can no longer foist their selfish motives on us. These results are an eye opener to many in the political circles. Now they must be feeling the need to reframe their political agendas and veer them towards education, health, upgraded public services and better employment opportunities that directly affect the lives of the people.
Fourthly, it re-establishes the belief that the antagonisms of the past will no longer hold good for people now want visible results. The talisman for a flourishing political career is nothing but the commitment to stay true to the purpose which must be lofty and sublime, untouched by the sleaze and slumber.
This is just the beginning. AAP has performed well in the Delhi Assembly elections. How good it performs when it takes the charge remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it is a good start that needs to be applauded and freely appreciated by one and all as it paves the way for more such charismas until it becomes a habit and the politicians fight on the basis of strong credentials and value systems, not relying on the bygone principle of divide and rule.
Dr. Simmi Gurwara is Prof. and Head, department of Professional Development (Humanities and Management) at Radha Govind Group of Institutions,Meerut, UP,India.
