The last few weeks have seen an interesting game of musical chairs being played in the political corridors of Delhi. With the release of Arvind Kejriwal on bail in the liquor scam, people of Delhi are being subjected to loud claims about his innocence, and the dramatic sacrifice by Kejriwal, who quit as chief minister.
Away from the political rhetoric, Kejriwal has achieved the distinction of being the first CM to attempt to run the government from Tihar Jail. Also, the self-proclaimed sacrifice does not hold much water in light of the stringent bail conditions imposed on him by the Supreme Court.
With several judgments of the Delhi courts, including the high court and the Supreme Court, categorically holding that there is sufficient evidence against Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, to prima facie show their involvement in the scam, the profound claim of innocence seems like political posturing. Also, with the Supreme Court’s embargo from attending the office of the chief minister or sign any files, Kejriwal had little option left but to tender his resignation.
Imaging: Deni Lal
But, perhaps, the most disappointing issue in this political story was the chapter of the reluctant oath of now Chief Minister Atishi. In her first public statement as CM, Atishi boldly declared, “There will only be one CM in Delhi, and that will always be Kejriwal.” So, Delhi, which in the past has seen strong and independent women chief ministers, will have a proxy woman CM this time, with the real strings being controlled by Kejriwal. I am sure the crusaders of women empowerment will have a lot to say on this.
In one way, Atishi has demonstrated that she can be a true protégé to Kejriwal, given her history of sitting on a hunger strike against the inactions of her own water ministry, especially when she herself was acting as the executor of all the instructions Kejriwal was issuing from Tihar Jail. She managed to invoke nostalgic memories of the time when Kejriwal used to give dharna whilst being the CM.
Today, the departments of water, sewage, drainage, cleanliness, electricity and environment completely fall under the control of the AAP-controlled Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Despite having unhindered power and ample funds, the nation’s capital has to suffer drought-like situation during summers, floods during monsoons, another draught in autumn and heavy pollution during winters. And the malik of Delhi aka Kejriwal, Atishi and company, can only conduct press conferences trying to deflect the blame.
From ghost patients in mohalla clinics, to a staggering Rs1,000 crore loss in Delhi Jal Board, the utilities of Delhi are crumbling under the reign of Kejriwal. With ever increasing electricity bills of the middle class, dirty and unhygienic water supply and crumbling infrastructure, the AAP government is only left with a few renovated classrooms which are regularly used for pure media events.
Leadership is not about holding on to a title or maintaining control behind closed doors. It is about taking responsibility, delivering results, and being accountable to the people. Delhi deserves a government that prioritises the welfare of its citizens, provide world class infrastructure. It is time for Delhi to break free from this cycle of power without responsibility and choose leadership that will drive this glorious city forward.
Bansuri Swaraj is a Lok Sabha MP from New Delhi.