By Meghana Rathore:
Before AAP came into the picture, the political scenario was pretty conspicuous, with the Congress nose-diving and the BJP riding the crest with their administrative pundit Mr. Modi campaigning energetically. Yes, that is how we all thought things would fare. However, now we have three major parties in the picture with AAP being factored in. AAP, which was earlier brushed aside as a newbie before the assembly polls in Delhi, left everyone in a state of awe with it’s jaw dropping performance.
Recently I came across a petition that has been started to dissolve AAP before these elections. Certainly, the other parties consider AAP as an arch nemesis. It’s imperative to analyse what could be the factors that have triggered this fear.
After coming to power in Delhi, vehemently taking on traditional form of governance, 49 days of experimenting and relinquishing power and yielding to the failure of passage of Lokpal Bill, the experiment has now gone national. Other parties clearly can’t sit complacently now.
AAP’s antics and acumen, its promise of clean politics and extensive mobilization across political map, can work hugely in its favour. Proving their mettle in highly urbane electorates of Delhi is reflective of the paradigm shift. The new target now is the politically aware but inactive till date, the liberal middle class. Ever since its decision of making inroads nationally, many prominent and notable people have joined the party coming from disparate factions, from lawyers to activists to editors. The lot that had earlier not shown any interest in active politics. AAP has also created a domino effect wherein all the other political faces have become conscious of their image and most of them have also began working on their image makeover. Another factor could be the gutful manner in which Kejriwal vehemently took on the corporate biggies. Their new way of politics surely goes a long way from the traditional mob pandering.
Not only has the AAP left the national parties befuddled, Congress and BJP can certainly not betray the idea of this new party and their unyielding political behaviour. However, the regional parties have something to fear too. In regions where corruption has a stranglehold e.g. : Haryana and UP, the AAP may be a good alternative. People might go beyond acting as fossilized electorates and embrace the change.
So, although it’s pretty clear that AAP can act as a game changer, what’s flummoxing is that its “anarchic” behaviour might cast a pall upon its prospect.