Arvind Kejriwal’s second visit to Goa left me disappointed. It was of course newsy and rabble rousing as usual but his thought process towards governing of the state, if the party comes to power, made me worried. Here’s why.
After meeting fishermen, small scale hoteliers, youth from across Goa and Brahmeshanand Swami at Tapobhumi, the Delhi Chief Minister decided to meet all the editors of various print, web publications and television channels in Goa, before proceeding towards the Archbishop palace. This was the first time we all got clear glimpses into his thought process towards governance. He was asked all kinds of questions and thankfully the answers were forthright and unswerving.
However, his responses raised several questions. Aam Aadmi Party has portrayed itself as the principle crusader against corruption. No one doubts their intentions regarding this primary agenda. But governance is a far more complex proposition than merely being “non-corrupt”. And to be in government, a political party unfortunately needs to do some fundamental compromises with the core ideas of a sound administration. Every political party indulges in these adjustments to appease various sections of voters. AAP was expected to be different and do the right thing. But it seems they have chosen the already travelled path.
The best example is some of the mindless doles in the guise of “social welfare” started by the present government in Goa. “Griha Adhar” was started as an “inflation” allowance. Government announced increase in the amount during last budget, implementable from September onwards, clearly keeping an eye on the polls. Public memory is short and such measures reap benefits only if you launch them few months prior to the election. Griha Adhar has no “social” basis. It is an outright dole. Ladli Laxmi has no income barrier. Even a billionaire can avail it. The only scheme that inspires reason is Dayanand Samajik Suraksha Yojna for senior citizens.
Arvind Kejriwal clearly told us that he will not stop a single scheme if AAP comes to power. Rather they would increase the amount and roll out more social schemes. Just for the information of AAP leaders in Goa, right now government provides schemes for every section of the society except those who handsomely contribute to the GDP and state coffers. We give Rs 400 per child per month for studying in regional languages at primary level. We give grants to 134 English medium primary schools. We give money to get married. We have Griha Adhar scheme for housewives. We also provide for our senior citizens (DSSY) from state treasury. Every citizen of the state is insured from public money. In short, we offer “schemes” to every section of the society except those who work hard, earn and pay taxes (and please don’t start any new scheme for the earners); this in a state with highest per capita income and consistent double digit GDP growth.
Whether these schemes hold any economic rationale or financial prudence doesn’t matter to any political party, nor does it matter to our people. Politicians are happy dishing out the doles and we are happier to obtain them. None of us is bothered about financial condition of the state or the state of the economy. I expected Arvind Kejriwal and AAP to be different.
AAP leader Dr Oscar Rebello had once stated in my debate program that our state is turning into a “nanny” state due to this attitude of voters and political parties. We totally agreed with him then. Sadly, now AAP too has joined the “dolewagon”.
The second thing that concerned me was his meeting religious gurus and leaders. His argument was even they are a part of this country and a vibrant democracy like ours needs their involvement and cooperation. We all know why a politician meets a Swami or an Archbishop. He seeks their blessings to swing the ability to influence a certain section of voters in his favor. May be I anticipated too much but Kejriwal clearly signaled that he would not separate the state from the church (and temple, mosque etc etc).
Simply put, he structured himself in a zone not much different from the other political entities. His economic policies, conduct of politics and idea of public discourse did not inspire any diverge emotions. The only difference that he claimed was “anti corruption”. Even Manohar Parrikar sold us the “zero tolerance to corruption” dream in 2012. We merrily bought it and realized that the “made in Goa” product was far more inferior in quality than even “made in China”. Now AAP too is offering us the same menu. Moreover, Arvind Kejriwal believes that his party can win 35 assembly seats out of 40 on the basis of these identical offerings.
Perhaps he is right. Voters desire a political set up that promotes doles and optics that signify camaraderie with Swamis, Maulanas and Bishops. People are unhappy with both the Congress and the BJP. They may see an opportunity (not hope) in AAP if it protects everybody’s interest. As election comes closer, these optics will get magnified. Not only AAP, even the Congress and the BJP would be extravagant in their promises. There will be competition between manifestos to offer maximum lures at the cost of public exchequer and devoid of any economic sanity. Probably, AK will play the game of perception better than others. But will it be the right thing to do?
Pramod Acharya is Editor, Prudent Media
