Salute to Anna for tectonic shift in Indian politics

Anna’s fast is over and  his dream of Lokpal in some form has come true.  The greatest contribution of Anna is that he has shaken the establishment and awakened the conscience of common man against graft and in favor of good governance. The Uturn in Congress attitude to Anna for which Rahul might seek credit is indicative of new approach of the party as earlier its spokespersons called his most corrupt and joker. What happened in four states in current elections is worth soul search by all as media has not yet seen it as impact of Anna. I had already published likely outcome accurately in anticipation and Delhi was supposed give BJP as leading party. The results proved my hunch but more that that four major changes in the Indian political scene are now clear as enunciated below

First three times win of two CMs and if we add Modi also we can say three CMs by repeated performance have demolished the myth of anti incumbency. The trite term was easy explanation of media to all changes of this type after one government completes a term. But it did not happen in three states. When given the choice, people have not thrown out the leaders who ruled them voters preferred no change due to being satisfied by them.

Second factor that shows Anna effect is that these three leaders are by and large honest and not corrupt. Voter now started giving credit for transparency and became aware of this intensely due to the movement started by Anna.It also put end to the jor tor ki rajneeti as buying selling of legislators had become common. Anna blew the air of clean life.

Third factor clearly is the value of good governance which too includes transparency but a lot more as driving development agenda and giving better results to the citizens. Good governance is valued now and will be the watch word of future political scenario.

Fourth outcome of the elections is experience of record voting in four states around 70% that was not witnessed earlier. Everyone felt moved by the Anna mov ement but when iot failed to achieve the mission at that time the acute realization that now it is for the voters to bring electoral transformation to show what is good for the country. In other word political consciousness to supplement the social awareness brought by Anna were compelling reasons for voter turn out. One of my friends who is a Manager of government bank told me a very telling story that his 18years son student of IIT suddenly started pushing him to get a voter card. When asked why he is in hurry he quipped ‘I have to vote for Modi. We need him badly. Countless such young people pushed the voting percentage up.

Let us see how Delhi reacted to it. AAP performance was greatly the result of Anna movement after effect. No one expected that it would do so well and it was virtually on the threshold of throwing out both national parties. It decimated Congress in Delhi as there was pent up anger against the insipid leadership and inflation besides the worsening tide of economy. It was vote against the corruption and administration. Sheela Dixit was one of the effective leaders Congress had but she could not afford to wash out Common Wealth scandal and arrogance of the party. The issues of price rise and law and order were in central domain. In the rallies while Modi was overflowing with vibrant crowds Congress could see how people were running away. AAP was making waves too. The writing was on the wall yet no one was there to tell the truth to High Command. Unfortunately AAP did not get absolute majority but the way it conducted after creditable and surprising victory was inglorious and far from their claim to be humble and  aam aadmi.

Now with suddenly acquired power AAP is challenging everyone from Rahul Gandhi to Narender Modi. Even when Congress has offered unconditional support he asked for their surrender on 18 written points some of which were absurd like abolition of contacts and ban on FDI. They professed Luddite economics and showed hubris in ambition that was far from humility. Their pretence that they want to serve not run for power is ridiculous as they fought election and politics is the art of power  that would only bestow responsibility on them which they avoid. After forming government they could do what was feasible and there is clever ploy in seeking surrender of other parties on 18points. All they could reasonably ask was to guarantee that support will not be withdrawn at least for two years unless they violate law. Again Anna distanced himself from it and misconduct shown by the AAP members at Anna’s fast venue brought down their hypocritical respect for the man who sustained a great movement and sacrificed for the cause. While AAP is now in lime light Anna’s shadow on the entire change looms large and AAP has been diminished. Earlier media was underrating AAP and now media has gone to other extreme in euphoria. Post elections development has adversely dented the party. Anna’s spirit is still alive and will guide the future of country.

-Prof N.K.Singh former Chairman International Airports Authority of India