Lessons of Delhi State Assembly Elections

As per Exit polls prediction, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) has won a resounding electoral victory; total drubbing for the Congress Party; and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trailing behind by wide margin. There are lessons to be learnt from the final outcome of Delhi State Assembly Elections.

– One, AAP won based on populist measures effectively implemented during its rule. BJP attempts to polarize politics failed to pay electoral dividends.

– Two, Muslim polarization is complete and total. Howsoever, Modi and the BJP may attempt to appease the Muslims through initiatives like “Triple Talaq” to promote gender-based divide, they cannot succeed. If any, Muslim women are in the forefront of protests not only in Shaheen Bagh but also elsewhere in cities like Mumbai. Earlier Modi and the BJP realize futility of attempts to win over the Muslims, the better it is for the parties prospects.

– Three, Hindus-Sikhs-Jains-Buddhists polarization remains a Himalayan challenge. They continue to be divided vertically and horizontally on caste and communal lines.

– Four, pseudo-secular party like the Congress Party has been shown the exit door from Indian politics. The poll percentage clearly reflects irrelevance of the “Dynasty”. Neither Rahul Ghandy nor Priyanka Ghandy can inspire their followers and sympathizers to rally. Gone are the days of winning elections in the name of “Dynasty” or the “Congress Party Hath”. Earlier their cronies/sycophants abandon and opt for greener pastures the better it is for them to remain politically relevant.

– Five, AAPs leaders and its supporting spokespersons believe that welfare measures -Freebies – like free travel for women in Buses, electricity, water etc., enabled AAPs victory.

– Six, few other analysts believe that it is the “Save Democracy” protests that have played a key role in the outcome of elections.

In sum, “freebies” and polarization of Muslims – Shaheen Bagh protests against the CAA, NRC, and NPR – ensured AAPs clean sweep.

One thing is, however, certain. Indian politically scenario is extraordinarily uncertain. The decibel levels of ongoing disruptive or self destructive political narrative or discourse in the paid partisan media channels will become shriller with utter disregard to polarization on communal lines. If continued, social divide may further consolidate and polarize society. If so, chances of national unity will further recede.

Is AAPs electoral victory in Delhi likely to propel it as National political party status and alternative replacing the Congress Party in the near future? No seismic transformations are likely in the near future either in Bihar during 2020 or in the elections to follow in West Bengal in 2021.

Arvind Kejriwal and AAP cannot easily succeed in replicating the “Freebies” given to Women and also domestic power consumers in Delhi, on All-India basis due to financial constraints. Within Delhi NCR region, AAP cannot replicate the “Amma or Anna Canteens” (Rs.1 for an idly, Rs.5 for a plate of sambar rice, Rs.5 for a plate of “Karuvapellai Satham” (Curry leaves rice) and Rs.3 for a plate of curd rice Rs.5/-) per lunch for poor and middle class in all Mohallas. Its sole “Aam Admi Canteen” at LNJP Hospital is pegged at Rs.10/- per meal even now. Its past announcement of operating 100 such canteens in Delhi still remain only on paper.

Add to it, “Can Kejriwal extend “freebies” on All India basis to include: reduction in electricity bills up to 400 units; and, 20 kilolitres of free water per month for homes with metered connections and to pay 10% more if they exceed that limit?”

After all, populism has its limits. Delhi’s “Revenue Surplus” facilitated implementation of populist initiatives. Let none suffer from illusions that the same “freebies” can be replicated on all India considering the “Financial health” at the central and state levels. Even in Delhi, sooner than later, there will be demand for waivers of student fees and bank loans. So also, even the male students may demand free bus rides in cities. And, “freebies” cannot be stretched at the cost of development and growth.

Following AAPs return to power, his Muslim supporters are bound to up the ante over providing 5 per cent reservation of jobs in Delhi State government jobs and also quotas in education, which is their long standing demand.

At national level, reconciling demands of farmers, agriculture labor, workers, jawans and Central Government employees, for waiver of loans, subsidies and salary and dearness allowance periodic enhancements is extremely vexatious what with addition of 1.4 crores born in 1999 joining the unemployment basket annually. None of the past Prime Ministers can lay claims to successful political leadership status considering the present distress status of economy and socio-political divide. Each one has cumulatively created the build-up to the present mess in almost all fields.

Leadership is about culture; not just character. In democracy, the culture of team building, spirit and cohesiveness in an atmosphere of reconciliation and consensus not only within the AAP but also with political rivals is an imperative. The art and science of political survival is not easy to master. As per media reports, Arvind Kejriwal has not spelled out AAPs ideology other than claiming to be “Anarchist”. Authoritarian anarchism can plunge the nation into utter chaos.

The challenges of political leadership, and also statesmanship – seeing things clearly, creating a strategy, sharing a vision, and encouraging action throughout an organization are all hallmarks of strong leadership. Arvind Kejriwal’s Statesmanship, as at present stage, is yet to be proven at national, regional and international levels. Can Arvind Kejriwal take on headlong the challenge of demographic transitions – mother of all strategic challenges and key to others – that are going on with no end in sight to engulf India at the cost of losing Muslim minority vote banks?

In sum, perception and reality are tempered by leader’s unique personal needs, biological and emotional impulses. But, ‘pragmatism’ is imperative to shape leadership behavior in pursuit of safeguarding national security interests. It implies that for political leadership to succeed in modern Indian political scenario, a very superior level of intellectual clarity of perception and a response which is commensurate with the end objectives of political action appropriate to the reality of the circumstances and achievable with the resources – financial, material and human – is vital.

Even if one possesses such capability, he or she will be dragged down the hill by those entrenched deeply in the system for status quo ante best suits them.

To top it all, external enemies, particularly Pakistan, is hell bent upon “Balkanization” of India. China too would support such a move of “Balkanization” of India for it suits their national interests. Add to them, the Christian West consolidation in the Hill States of the Northeast. Also, its continuing forays among the Dalits in South Indian states. Recently, Goa’s Archbishop, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, has unequivocally declared his opposition to the CAA-NRC-NPA and even drubbed Modi’s initiative as divisive, discriminatory and anti-democratic.

So, how long the fundamentalist Hindu elements will tolerate heinous threats bent upon destroying Hindu civilization depends on its leadership. Inevitable and imperative for polarization of Hindu’s in the face cumulatively ascending Muslim onslaught in pursuit of “Islamic Caliphate”.

By banking on the inauguration of Ram Mandir prior to 2024 elections are unlikely to sway the emotions and sentiments and rally the Hindus to vote for the BJP. People want delivery of affordable. People detest extravaganza at their cost like flaunting power with gunmen and large escort convoys accompanying them.

In reality, India is a diseased civilization full of contradictions and at war from within. Following Islamic radicals rallying their forces, posterity appears bleak from national security point of view.