Bogged down by his haste
18 Feb 2014 11:58 PM GMT
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had to suffer because he made people believe that he was indeed in a hurry. His style of functioning, right from the day he took over the prestigious post, disseminated his supersonic speed to establish his commitment of fulfiling his tall promises. Apart from this, Kejriwal went on to strengthen his relationship with the aam aadmi with an aim to enrich his winning chances in the next Lok Sabha elections.
The referendum on formation of the government and decision to organise daily janata darbar at Delhi Secretariat were part of his efforts to keep people in loop on an everyday basis. He became impatient and made his decision-making capacity fragile in the run up to express his sincerity without taking into consideration its pros and cons.
Seemingly, Kejriwal was feeling burdened because of the promises he made to people during his election campaigns. The way the announcement of 677 litre per day free drinking water and 50 per cent subsidy up to 400 units of power were made in a single day, looked like a difficult task to achieve.
The basic requirement of financial provision was not discussed while deliberating issues that were part of the burden on the chief minister’s mind. The charity announced could not be percolated down to people as he wanted to take up a new issue everyday to ensure lead coverage on daily basis in the media.
The chief minister also had to prove his ‘still being a common man’ even after taking over the highest executive post of the capital city.
While going through the record of the earlier chief ministers, one would draw a conclusion that the chief minister had been performing the public relation functions in different union ministries and other neighbouring states to ensure the running of basic services like water and power.
Delhi being home to over 17 million people is quite different from other mega cities and states as it has to deal with the daunting challenges quite often.
The post of the chief minister is not a seat of roses. Kejriwal might not have an idea of such complexities. He adopted the way of collision rather than that of reconciliation with the Center while seeking control over the police. Mere violation of the prohibitory order by any chief minister amounted to lack of seriousness in approach.
Moreover, Kejriwal continued using light and objectionable words, against union ministers, Lt. Governors and leaders of other political parties that resulted in lowering his seriousness. Addressing a press conference everyday provided other parties to stretch the verbal blasts by inviting him to respond.
It was heard in the corridors of power and in the public transport that Yogender Yadav would definitely prove to be a serious politician than Delhi chief minister. The verbal bombardment on the issue of Jan Lokpal Bill and his toughness on its introduction brought the two warring political parties together to loudly criticise the chief minister’s denial to follow the procedure.
Had Kejriwal exhibited a bit of patience by taking the matter personally to the prime minister or home minister, rather than making it a show and subject matter of media coverage, the result would have been different.
Delhi for the first time witnessed a minority government whereas the center had faced it number of times in the past. Leaders had to compromise on one or the other issue to keep the governments going. The concessions to the Socialist Party, BSP and DMK by the minority government at different point of times were seen as compulsions forcing the governments to offer solutions discreetly.
It could not have been expected from a politician like Kejriwal to adopt a collision route, though he could have kept the supporting party in a jolly mood rather than naming the Congress party every other day. The sustained naming of the Congress leaders proved to be a source of sourness between the ruling and the Congress party.
The Congress never felt any association with the ruling party and even the confidence building initiative was also not taken by any leader at any level.
On the issue of the problems being faced by the present ministers, it had been observed that the prime ministers and chief ministers had been trying to save their colleagues till the issue did not become inflammable or explosive. The leaders had to take some or the other step in order to bring normalcy as unmoving attitude on such issues would never let the issue die.
The author is a communication consultant
The referendum on formation of the government and decision to organise daily janata darbar at Delhi Secretariat were part of his efforts to keep people in loop on an everyday basis. He became impatient and made his decision-making capacity fragile in the run up to express his sincerity without taking into consideration its pros and cons.
Seemingly, Kejriwal was feeling burdened because of the promises he made to people during his election campaigns. The way the announcement of 677 litre per day free drinking water and 50 per cent subsidy up to 400 units of power were made in a single day, looked like a difficult task to achieve.
The basic requirement of financial provision was not discussed while deliberating issues that were part of the burden on the chief minister’s mind. The charity announced could not be percolated down to people as he wanted to take up a new issue everyday to ensure lead coverage on daily basis in the media.
The chief minister also had to prove his ‘still being a common man’ even after taking over the highest executive post of the capital city.
While going through the record of the earlier chief ministers, one would draw a conclusion that the chief minister had been performing the public relation functions in different union ministries and other neighbouring states to ensure the running of basic services like water and power.
Delhi being home to over 17 million people is quite different from other mega cities and states as it has to deal with the daunting challenges quite often.
The post of the chief minister is not a seat of roses. Kejriwal might not have an idea of such complexities. He adopted the way of collision rather than that of reconciliation with the Center while seeking control over the police. Mere violation of the prohibitory order by any chief minister amounted to lack of seriousness in approach.
Moreover, Kejriwal continued using light and objectionable words, against union ministers, Lt. Governors and leaders of other political parties that resulted in lowering his seriousness. Addressing a press conference everyday provided other parties to stretch the verbal blasts by inviting him to respond.
It was heard in the corridors of power and in the public transport that Yogender Yadav would definitely prove to be a serious politician than Delhi chief minister. The verbal bombardment on the issue of Jan Lokpal Bill and his toughness on its introduction brought the two warring political parties together to loudly criticise the chief minister’s denial to follow the procedure.
Had Kejriwal exhibited a bit of patience by taking the matter personally to the prime minister or home minister, rather than making it a show and subject matter of media coverage, the result would have been different.
Delhi for the first time witnessed a minority government whereas the center had faced it number of times in the past. Leaders had to compromise on one or the other issue to keep the governments going. The concessions to the Socialist Party, BSP and DMK by the minority government at different point of times were seen as compulsions forcing the governments to offer solutions discreetly.
It could not have been expected from a politician like Kejriwal to adopt a collision route, though he could have kept the supporting party in a jolly mood rather than naming the Congress party every other day. The sustained naming of the Congress leaders proved to be a source of sourness between the ruling and the Congress party.
The Congress never felt any association with the ruling party and even the confidence building initiative was also not taken by any leader at any level.
On the issue of the problems being faced by the present ministers, it had been observed that the prime ministers and chief ministers had been trying to save their colleagues till the issue did not become inflammable or explosive. The leaders had to take some or the other step in order to bring normalcy as unmoving attitude on such issues would never let the issue die.
The author is a communication consultant
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