Opinion : Trapped in his own Game

There was a time when Kejriwal used to hold press conferences almost every evening to expose someone. But today, he himself stands exposed for his politics of nastiness and allegations

Nishant kr Azad
“Think before you speak” is a common saying which seems to be inapplicable to Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Raising reckless issues and putting allegations without any substantial proof have been part of his political tactics which has given him sizeable success in short span of time. In this journey anti-corruption was his main plank. After coming to power, gaining media space while alleging everyone, especially the Centre, for not allowing him to work. Naturally, an attempt to enhance his own stature by attacking the Prime Minster is the most convenient option for the Dharna-fame Chief Minister.
In a recent development, Kejriwal wrote a letter to Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and alleged that BJP MP Mahesh Girri along with NDMC Vice Chairman, Karan Singh Tomar, is involved in Mohd Moin Khan’s murder case. Khan was shot dead in Jamia Nagar, Delhi on May 16, a day before he was scheduled to pass the final order on the lease term of a hotel which was functioning on a property leased out by the civic body. He also tweeted on June 20, 2016, “If Del police were wid us, Mahesh Giri n Karan Singh Tanwar wud have been arrested and interrogated by now in MM Khan murder case,” with the hope that this would be a new stunt to gain publicity.
Contrary to his expectations, he was responded by a tweet by Girri “I condemn CM Kejriwal for running malicious campaign. I challenge CM Kejriwal and his gang of thugs to present before media and public any letter written by me to any authority on NDMC hotel matter. Or else the chief minister should resign.” Later Girri held a press conference and gave an open challenge to Kejriwal to engage in open debate to prove the allegations or else resign. By then, Delhi Police had already clarified that Girri is not involved in this case.
Arvind Kejriwal normally challenges politicians for open debate but this time he got trapped in his own game. Earlier also, Kejriwal framed baseless allegations on leaders like Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari etc. but they were challenged in the court of law.
What is the reason for this over-ambitious allegation which he could not even dare to play with his own rules?
The real reason is, perhaps, diverting attention from the charges of corruption his government is facing: 1. 21 AAP MLAs were appointed Parliamentary Secretaries. They are facing the sword of disqualification under office of profit clause, if EC finds those appointments invalid and unconstitutional 2. Former Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai is accused of indulging in corrupt practices in implementing government’s app-based premium bus service scheme which even the party spokesperson Alka Lamba accepted as the reason behind his resignation 3. It is alleged that AAP is courting the media by appointing journalists to the governing bodies of colleges 4. Two MLAs  are facing serious charges, including those of molestation, cheating and forgery.
The activist turned Chief Minister should understand that democracy needs dialogue, and cooperation even with the Opposition. Political implications of Kejriwal remotely don’t suggest any such signs. He always lingers the issues for no positive outcome and only jumps from one to the other. One can hope that time will come when he realises the potential of working together with other people and parties for the overall welfare of the people. For people in a democracy vote for a person for their welfare and development, and not to witness dramas and gimmicks. If Kejriwal fails to pursue a sense of transparency and truth in his political action, he would face the wrath of the people.