Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Honesty will win' that was published in Newsband

Honesty will win

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is a man in a hurry. Aam Aadmi Party’s demand for full statehood, if accepted, would give the Delhi government control over two critical areas of governance, land and the police. Kejriwal has already broached the subject with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been non-committal.

 Now, with 67 MLAs in a 70-seat Assembly, Kejriwal should have no problem pushing Lokpal Bill through but, after that, it will require ratification by the Centre. How that turns out depends on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s disposition.

In governance terms, what can Kejriwal do without getting full statehood? He may be able to reduce electricity and water tariffs, but will remain dependent on neighbouring States and the Centre for supply. He may also be able to fulfil his promises on education if funds are forthcoming, and certainly he can make a difference in reducing everyday corruption.

Kejriwal must demonstrate that his is a government with a difference. He should take transparent steps to unveil a governance structure emphasising accountability and accessibility.

AAP's sweeping victory over BJP came at the cost of all other traditional parties. If AAP manages to govern Delhi most efficiently that it will not be difficult to see AAP repeating its Delhi performance elsewhere in the country. Congress situation today must serve as a lesson to these parties in the country, that they can't forever bank on the family name.

The new CM of Delhi has to tread his path carefully. The announcment of free water and subsidised electricity for the people of Delhi though, it is quite a welcome move, but has its serious repurcussions on financial health. As of now, Delhi depends mainly on its neighbouring state for water and electricity. The city needs to build up enough infrastrucutre in the peripherals in saving and storing of run off water during rainy season. City has to explore the bright prospects avaialble for harnessing solar energy. Individuals should be encourage to install more number of solar panels to meet their domestic requirements thereby to reduce burden on electricity. In all, it is advisable for AAP to go slow on matters involving financial aspects.

AAP should be extremely careful of the mainstream political parties (BJP and Congress), which are too strong (in terms of money, power, beaurocracy and influence) and which will do anything and everything to dismantle AAP. It is for AAP to stand solid like a rock and face the storms. Honesty will win!

The confidence the people of Delhi has reposed in Kejriwal is paramount and if his government succeeds in reducing corruption, effect economy, control electricity thefts and expanding the medical, education, water supply infrastructure, it will be a big relief. Rome was not built in a day. Delhites should have patience and watch. At present the man on the wheel is honest and possesses integrity to do welfare of the people.

The Arvind Kejriwal era has begun. Now is the time to make a difference for the aam aadmi and the aam aurat. The AAP must make good its ambitious promises to reform the decaying education and health systems, to introduce the anti-corruption legislation, and ensure people-friendly delivery of public services. With umpteen promises to keep in Delhi, and the rest watching his politics with anticipation and hope, Arvind Kejriwal must act wisely and courageously.