You are not the real candidate, the real candidate is the idea.
Transformation of AAP from the margins of civil society movement into a successful political party has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Almost a month has passed since they formed government with outside support of Congress – the party whom they criticized unrelentingly – and throughout the period they have been put to scrutiny by critics and followers alike. They have been point of discussions not only in premier television shows but also among otherwise politically less active netizens.
In this write up I will try to analyze the idea of AAP. I have the used the word “idea” because I want to discuss it from the idealistic point of view. Realistic factual abberations, like Binny’s revolt or vigilantism of Bharti will be overlooked.
Lack of alternative:
Success of AAP does not emanate from personality cult, but it is rooted in failure of existing apathetic, corrupt and manipulative political system which is unable to meet peoples rising expectations. As people become literate and aware of comparative realities, the demand for better governance is inevitable. However, in absence of alternative political paradigm, either people had turned apolitical (educated middle class) or kept on voting on issues which have not changed (rather, degenerated further into factionalism) since Indira Gandhi introduced populism in India.
Limitations of civil society movement:
In absence of alternatives, various civil society groups took up the issue of good governance on various forum (judiciary, right to information, protest, petitions etc.) which produced some desirable changes. However, these changes have been too slow rather than paradigmatic in nature. The inertia of existing political elites have been too much to overcome by reformative measures alone. The ones who can make changes are the one’s with the vested interest. In such case, any quality outcome from parliament was too much to expect.
The apathy of government to engage with civil society (unless their political clout is at stake) and even use of propaganda and force to suppress such movements have been detrimental to morality of civil society movements. It is unfortunate that the first response of state against the protesters (Delhi Gang Rape case, POSCO case, Kudankulam Nuclear plant) has been invariably use of police or shutdown the transport system. Discrediting activism either by saying they are foreign funded or anti-nationalist, narrows the room for dissent in democracy. Limitations of reformative civil movements were never more so apparent, when shamelessly politicians asked anti-corruption activists to challenge current system either by joining politics or watch helplessly the anarchy.
The Idea of AAP:
AAP stands for wish of people to be governed better, idea of change, idea of people’s supremacy, and demoralizing immorality in existing political system. It stands for courage of civil society to challenge apathetic state and synchronizing it with ground realities. The success of AAP has already forced political parties to change their approach. If nothing else, atleast it spooked them to pass Lokpal Bill (after 40+ years). It is rightly said monopoly leads to inefficiency and corruption. Alternative that AAP presents, also rekindles the faith that civil society can and will take courageous steps to correct aberrations in state. Politicians need to realize that democracy is not government by politicians, rather by people and for the people.
The reality can never be ideal. AAP has long way to go to achieve the idea. However, it keeps my faith in democracy and civil society alive. It gives me courage to be idealistic. After all, AAP is not the candidate, it is the idea which is the real candidate.
