In public perception, politics and politicians have become associated with venality and corruption . To want to be a politico was just not considered a respectable ambition among the aam admi. Forty-five-year-old Arvind Kejriwal, who on Saturday took charge as the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi, may have just changed that.
After weeks of uncertainty, the public mood, to be sure, has soared with new entrant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) deciding to take a shot at running the National Capital with the outside support of the Congress. .
A youngster, celebrating the change of baton on the streets of Delhi, put it pithily: “At least the environment has changed.”
For many under-30-year-olds used to an air of political apathy, AAP means a change in the political environment unlike anything they may have seen or anticipated .
Namita, a 27-year-old professional working at a call centre, voted for the first time in the Delhi Assembly elections this year. “I took pride in calling myself apolitical earlier. But, this year, the atmosphere was electric. I think he’s driven and will bring about a radical change in the system.”
Even if the AAP is able to fulfil a few of the promises it has made, Namita said she is sure to vote for the party again. However, steeped in apathy and cynicism, many others are unsure about how far the Kejriwal-led AAP can go.
Big battle won “I hope he fulfils his promises (of free water and cheaper electricity). If he doesn’t, then we will be back in the rut and he will not be able to survive,” Ramesh, a 32-year-old driver, said.
Others say the very fact that the AAP, which is forming a Government just one year after entering the political arena is a sure sign of a big battle won. “All parties will now think twice,” Soumya Ghosh, a college student who hails from Kolkata, said. “ I think going to Ramlila Maidan (for taking oath) is a very strong gesture of his (Kejriwal’s) method of governance,” Ghosh said.
Comparing Kejriwal to Gandhi, 69-year-old Vinay Kumar said the AAP will make a mark across the country if it contests the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Most people, though, are keeping their fingers crossed and hope Kejriwal will work to fulfil their aspirations.
“He has given a clear message. Implementation of AAP’s ideals is now just a matter of time. He has silently worked so far for the benefit of people and we hope that he will continue to do so and bring changes in Delhi,” said Sanjay Kumar, who came to Ramlila Maidan from Dwarka, in West Delhi, to attend the function.
Swati, a homemaker from Model Town, said she was attracted to the AAP after it took the initiative to protestthe increasing violence against women. “I hope public transport will become more secure (for us) in Delhi now,” she said.
A Delhi Government servant said change is certainly in the air . “Eighty per cent of the public servants are good. Now, they will be empowered, as our Chief Minister is an honest man. We are sure good officers will get more authority in decision-making. There will be pressure on the 20 per cent corrupt officers to change,” the senior officer said .