It is interesting to note that Aam Aadmi Party’s present Chief Ministers, Bhagwant Mann in Punjab and Atishi in Delhi, are adopting a far less confrontationist approach towards the Centre. There are also fewer controversies taking place. It is not that these two states are easy to govern. Each has its unique problems. But the continuous and in most cases unnecessary power tussle with the Union Government is not being seen at the earlier level when Arvind Kejriwal was Chief Minister. It can even be said that Mann and Atishi are, on their own, becoming popular in their respective states.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Arvind Kejriwal has hit the headlines, again, through what many consider the usual publicity stunt – having ‘liquid’ thrown at him while taking out a yatra. While the police claim it was water, the AAP says it was spirit with the intent to set him on fire. So, those among the public who may have forgotten there is an Arvind Kejriwal running AAP’s affairs, this has come as a reminder. No one would be more concerned about his political party being hijacked than one who had appropriated a protest movement in a previous ‘activist’ avatar.
Unfortunately, the fallout of Kejriwal’s stint as CM continues to hit the party in its effort to go mainstream. Its ministers and MLAs continue to face charges of corruption and wrongdoing. Revelations about the inner state of affairs are being made by those who have shifted loyalties, the latest being former minister, Kailash Gehlot. Even as an AAP MLA, Naresh Yadav, has been sentenced to two years in jail for a communal act, another MLA, Naresh Balyan, has been arrested in an extortion case. It is being alleged by former AAP insiders that this only reflects the internal culture of the party and its government. All of this comes on the heels of the top leadership being sent to jail on various charges and being out on bail. The Swati Maliwal incident also remains a blot on the party’s culture. Particularly so when the one who is alleged to have assaulted her has been awarded a high post in Punjab.
Under the circumstances, how can AAP hope to repeat its performance in the soon to be held assembly elections? Will the Kejriwal style drama be the focus of its campaign, or the more sober functioning of the Atishi government? Kejriwal’s declared intention of going it alone without aligning with other parties seems to indicate the former.
