Good Boy Politics ?

Two days have passed by since the Delhi assembly poll results have been declared, and we all know what new history it has written. But what’s even more interesting is neither BJP nor AAP – the two major gainers -- is claiming to form the government!

Now it’s been sometime that I have been a witness to electoral politics, both nationally and state-based, but I just can’t recall of such a “pehle aap” situation ever to have emerged in Indian politics. And this brings to my mind one question: Is this a bane or beginning of a change that’s actually driven by the aam aadmi? 

Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption crusade and the post 16 December-unrest showed the frustration of the common man against the nincompoop government and their representatives. Whether AAP can live up to the hopes and aspirations of the people of Delhi is a question that can be left for time to respond, but what’s been answered is that the ‘supreme forces’ of Indian politics must understand that the common man cannot be ignored. Also, that election can be fought with white money, limited resources, non-star candidates, without corporate funding with honesty and determination. And moreover, agitated voices can actually come together and topple the ‘settled’.

I am no political analyst – there are too many of those, and they are working overtime at the moment -- but what fascinates me most now is with what I started this write-up with, the “pehle aap” situation.

BJP is (in)famous for its horse trading tactics, and is a pro in that. And though Congress is seriously in no position to trade anything for that matter, even they are a master of that art. ‘Alliances’, that are largely marriages of convenience, have been the norm to cobble together a parliamentary majority. Every party, every group negotiates, and everybody is in everybody’s strategy -- that is how post-election scenarios have worked in India so far. I remember Mr. Nitin Gadkari, who spoke on Sunday afternoon about BJP forming the government in all the four states, changing his statement by evening as soon as AAP declared that they are not keen on lending or borrowing support from anyone.

But why this sudden change in attitude? Is it a conscious-cautious step to remain ‘clean’ in the face of the AAP-storm? Is it a restrained step to curb the temptations of being on the throne in order to remain a ‘good boy’ in public eye? Especially, if Delhi is staring at a re-election in six months along with the Lok Sabha polls, every ounce of reputation is at stake.

But is this a permanent change? Henceforth, will politicians in India really act in manner chosen representatives should and will political outfits behave in a smarter, honest, and democratic manner?

We know change is the only permanent thing in this world, but sadly it wasn’t the case with Indian politics. And that’s why I’m happy at this forced adjustment that may just lead to the emergence of a new age politics.

Cheers to the nation!