Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (Common man versus politicians) that was published in Newsband

Common man versus politicians

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party looks like an impressive political party – something like never before. Does the birth of this party signify the rise of middle class? Will this party cause a revolution? Is it the right answer to the present corrupt political establishment? Will this party beat the UPA government and the opposition BJP, whose images are tarnished owing to corruption? The organization ‘India Against Government’ has succeeded in placing both national groups in negative light. People might prefer Aam Aadmi Party since they are not happy even with the regional parties like the Samajwadi Party and BSP which are characterized by narrow identity-based manipulation. Kejriwal has rightly said that ordinary people are fatigued by current style of politicking and hence are ready to enter politics directly.

The Aam Aadmi Party raises issues that directly impact ordinary people. It shows promise of putting an end to nepotism and sectarianism. This party has the Indian middle class people who are the most populated group. The Aam Aadmi Party is bent on proving to the world that Indian middle class is no pariah. In fact, since a last few years middle class people have been very active in their pursuit for social justice. For example, Jessica Lal case was done justice too because of the middle class protests combined with media coverage to impact events. The Aam Aadmi Party both derives and distributes power within this class.

Arvind Kejriwal has promised to pass the jan lokpal bill within 15 days and send corrupt ministers to jail within six months, if voted to power. He could be right when he says that if the common man's party and common man come to power, all corrupt ministers will be tried and jailed within six months. 

Thus, it will henceforth be politician versus the common man, who has been suffering since 65 years. When Kejriwal says that his party won’t indulge in corruption, he does mean business since he has gone to the extent of promising that if his party comes to power it will be transparent in its functioning and will put details of all expenses and donations on its website.

So one can be rest assured that the 2014 elections will witness a unique political battle which would not be between two political parties, but between politicians and the common man. One should not feel surprised if the common man succeeds in snatching the power from politicians which he gave to them 65 years back.