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Middle-class hero

With reference to the article “Rise of the common man: The changing dynamics of Indian politics” (December 30) by T.V. Rajeswar, the unexpected victory of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the recently held Delhi Assembly election has changed the political discourse in our country. Now everybody — at teastalls, in restaurants, streets and public parks — seems to be talking about charismatic leader Arvind Kejriwal. Many people feel that he has thrown a spanner in the works of Narendra Modi.

The promises of free-of-cost water supply and 50 per cent reduction in electricity bills captured the imagination of Delhi's middle class people, a section of the Dalits and migrant workers. Moreover, Kejriwal's association with Anna Hazare's mass movement India Against Corruption raised his public stature and catapulted him to national fame. His commitment to ending the VIP culture and giving a corruption-free society has paid him rich dividends in electoral terms. His phenomenal rise in politics testifies the growing strength of the Indian democracy. He is the new middle class hero. Let us wish him all the best.

Dr RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Jaswant Singh Gandam, Phagwara

Kejriwal’s test begins

The glorious emergence of Arvind Kejriwal has left all political parties aghast. The formation of the government in Delhi by the Aam Aadmi Party is a commendable decision as the poor people of our country cannot bear the expenditure of a re-election. By forming the government, the party has respected the mandate given to it by the people of Delhi. Kejriwal has declared the formation of his government as the “victory of the common man.”

He has asked his ministers and party workers to avoid arrogance of power. He has promised to deliver a corruption-free government. Now it is to be seen to what extent Kejriwal and his party succeed in fulfilling the promises made with the external support of the Congress party. All political leaders must learn the qualities of humility, honesty, simplicity, devotion and perseverance from Kejriwal.

SANDEEP ARYA, Fazilka

Give them time

A new star in the form of Arvind Kejriwal has arisen on the Indian horizon. Let us support him. Let the people of Delhi not become impatient or overburden Kejriwal and his government. Give him space to fulfil his manifesto promises.

Even if he delivers a large part of it, we should admire. If he succeeds in Delhi, we can expect him to take centre-stage. The politicians of the day have a lot to learn from Kejriwal, as has been felt by Anna Hazare and Rahul Gandhi, rather than unnecessarily criticising him and pulling his leg. A transformation in the political scene of the country is overdue.

T. N.Kashyap, Palampur

Cold to sensitivity

Can a top officer, entrusted with the implementation of policies and planning, be insensitive to human suffering? This refers to the statement of the UP Chief Secretary in the context of the relief camps that “Nobody dies of cold. If so, all Siberians would have perished.”

The remark is not only irresponsible, insensible and cruel but also far from reality. If bureaucrats of such mentality and calibre have been entrusted to serve the country, then only God can save us. Even the harshest words are inadequate to condemn the statement.

DR V. K. ANAND, Patiala

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