Irtif Lone
The political theories of how to rule a state are being re-written these days and probably the elite Indian politicians who have grown like a moss over centuries from political family background is being challenged by the Aam Aadmi in the streets and secretariat of Delhi. And the resistance to change even an iota of the same has been rising from each and every corner of the Indian state except from the Aam Aadmi , who is so tired of the ritualistic political affair that he doesn’t mind sitting on streets in the cold and chilling nights to protest.
While serious doubts were being raised about the Chief Minister of Delhi and his allegiance to the Indian state, for he was trying to stage a ruckus in run up to the republic day celebration, I kept thinking, is the sanctity of celebrating the Republic day just been left to the grand parade held in the capital at Rajghat, which is repeated every year? Or is there need to delve into the real meaning of the same and let the people feel the essence of the being a republic. But, then it somehow did not fit the bill of the politicians and even the media, who are used to the elite political system. A system where a Chief Minister, whatsoever the case may be, does not protest at least not in the streets along with the cabinet.
This truly is an untold story, never heard of before. A chief minister along with his cabinet ministers spends a cold chilly night under the open sky to protest for transfer/ suspension of few cops, which otherwise is a very normal thing for the chief ministers of other states to do. It takes courage to do this and not everyone can.
While having said this, I think could this be done in Kashmir. In the agitation years of 2008, 2009 and 2010, when hundreds of young people were killed while protesting, I remember hearing one thing continuously, “We do not have the authority to control the Army”. I remember seeing these politicians getting fierce in the news channel studios over what was happening in the streets of Kashmir but not having any authority to control.
Could they at that time have done what Arvind Kejriwal did in Delhi a couple of days back? Sit along with the people in the streets of Srinagar and protest killings of innocent youth and seek justice for the people who lost their loved ones, for the people who were confined to their houses and couldn’t move out, not even to avail the medical facilities. For once, they could have stood with the people and proved their representative character. It wouldn’t have been easy, but then it takes courage to side with the people who are helpless, to fight for them, to get them justice.
But, then it’s not as easy as it may sound, not in the implementation at least. The difference is nothing less than that of earth and mars exists between Delhi and Kashmir, considering the political establishment and its acceptance among the people. But then the human values need the same respect irrespective of the political conditions prevailing. People expect to be treated equally and with justice. And anticipate to be heard by their political leaders to improve their life and if they cannot, it must not be difficult for them to divorce their political ambitions.
Whatever has been happening in Delhi under the AAP leadership is adding a new dimension to the political theory as well as practicality. Whatever the motive behind, they are standing by the people who were never before given a patient hearing, nor would anybody stand by them. It’s a welcome change and an edifice to a proper democratic set-up.
