BECOMING KEJRIWAL !

BY APURVA RAI

THE Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has now become the chief minister of Delhi for the third time in a row, though, it will be his second full length term to serve the people of the national capital; first one being a short-lived tenure which led to re-elections and  a record-breaking victory for the newest party foraying into Indian politics.

Lucky man he is as it is not a mean task to rise above the rest and rule with huge mandate in the national capital of Delhi; a city comprising of people from all sections of society, different cultures and religions, varied age-groups, rich, poor, intellectuals, service class, business class, politicians, famous and not so famous to aam admi living a quiet life with his family. 

You can influence one and impress some but cannot win everyone's heart. Arvind Kejriwal did exactly the same and that is why he stands out amongst hordes of politicians in India who are fighting and struggling everyday to get into the seat of power somehow. Arvind Kejriwal stands out because he never showed greed for power under the guise of doing social work or talking development or made promises which cannot be fulfilled or drew the picture of a rosy life for the aam admi of Delhi. He proved that he is one amongst us and is in public life to serve the people and not to enjoy the privileges of power. It was his honesty of thoughts and spirit of struggle that touched the hearts of people and they voted him to victory with such a margin that even the most veteran politician can only dream of. 

No doubt, the thumping victory is 'AAP's Pride, Opposition's Envy'.

WHAT MAKES KEJRIWAL A WINNER

The thumping victory of AAm Admi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal has a lesson to teach other politicians, particularly the Congress which ruled the national capital for continuous 15 years in from 1998 to 2013. The entire credit for three terms that the Congress completed goes to chief minister late Sheila Dikshit. The public mood saw a change as Kejriwal prepared himself to take on the  bigger challenge with a few initial hiccups which were strong enough to shake, demoralise and diminish anyone else. 

The activist from India Against Corruption was standing on the threshold of Indian politics with a determination to stay and prove that one need not be a veteran politician-- a bundle of controversial statements, unabated comments, tall promises, false dreams, hate speeches and boring personality. In the muck that Indian politics is Kejriwal emerged as a 'lotus' of hopes for crores of aam admi residing in Delhi. Everyone voted for him wholeheartedly and the rest is history now. Soon after the results were declared Kejriwal lost no time in coming out and return public support by saying "Dilliwalon, gajab kar diya apne... I love you.." Delhi-ites were floored ! Wish Modi takes a lesson from him and reiterates the golden words for the public mandate he got in 2019.

What was the secret of Kejriwal's success? Honesty is the one word to describe him. The chief minister showed honesty of thoughts, honesty in his character, honesty in his words, honesty in his statements, honesty in his karma and presented an honest personality with clean image.  Enough reasons for aam admi to judge him and elect him. After all the new age voters are wise, educated and decisive. People find him different from other netas and a cut above the rest in Indian politics which rarely sees a clean image. 

Unlike other politicians Kejriwal never made hate speeches, never involved himself in mud-slinging and showed that he means business when he is in the seat of power. Indeed, a great lesson for all veteran politicians. 

Kejriwal's educational background and a successful career also had a positive impact on public minds. Except a few select fellow politicians, majority have not shown similar traits. The chief minister is blessed to be educated, intelligent and professionally successful. This is a great factor that leaders from other political party should learn and promote good talent to public domain. Modi Ji, do you understand this?

MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD

The national capital of Delhi faces many problems. Now that Kejriwal has assumed office for the third term he faces a number of challenging tasks to make the lives of people of Delhi easier and comfortable. 

There are talks of Smart City and all efforts are being made to make Delhi one of the smartest cities. I, however, think that while upgraded technology is imperative but a city becomes 'smart' when it provides ease of living, ease of numerous facilities like transportation, medical treatment, banking, shopping, dwelling, cleanliness, amusement, sports etc. The Second Opinion feels that one should ponder what makes New York or New Jersey different from New Delhi and you will get the answer in no time time.

Clean Yamuna: A daunting task is cleaning the Yamuna river in Delhi and giving the national capital a beautiful riverfront. Kejriwal seems determined to take this challenge head on. He has said that he will himself take a dip in the Yamuna which is full of filth. Delhi is a privileged city to have a river but the people of Delhi cannot enjoy a boat ride. Very sad, indeed. Hope to see clean waters flowing across Yamuna, people enjoying themselves at the riverfront and small boats giving joyrides to visitors. 

If Kejriwal is successful in this mission he will be able to add one of the biggest attractions for tourists visiting Delhi beside earning good revenue for the exchequer and opening up new opportunities of livelihood for many. 

Once Yamuna is cleaned and sufficient water level is gained the AAP government may even consider boat services from Delhi to Agra.  This will certainly come up as an alternative mode of transportation, fun ride and employment avenue.

Traffic Snarls: Move out on Delhi roads and you are confronted with long queues of motor vehicles that kill the joy of driving beside failing you on your calculations of reaching the destination. Very frustrating to drive a car in Delhi. This leads to road rage, burning of petrol, travel delays and air pollution.

The chief minister will have to restrict the entry of newer vehicles on the roads of Delhi and for this he will have to check corruption which lets free flow of  black money in the society. While a lot of black money is spent in buying vehicles it is also 'burnt' in fuels because there is no check on its purchase.

Solution:

* Restrict the number of cars a person can buy.

* New car can be purchased once in five years only. 

* Levy parking charges on vehicles parked on public roads/ lanes

Slums of Delhi: Delhi often faces criticism for its slums. Political parties have taken undue advantage of these slums by influencing people living there. Spread in large areas these omnipresent slums also pose serious health problems and hygiene issues for its dwellers. It is also a difficult task for the administration to manage civic amenities in these colonies. 

The chief minister can conduct a study to find out if regular township could be built in slum areas on the same piece of land. Thus people living here would be able to shift to  multi-storey smaller EWS apartments, to be constructed by Delhi Development Authority (DDA). This will give them a better living, more security and improved hygiene in a planned society without dislocating them. This will save lot of land that is occupied by slum dwellers at present. 

Pollution: Delhi is in the grip of severe pollution. Take a trip to the city and you will see people moving around with their faces covered with masks. A disheartening scenario ! Though the chief minister has promised to adopt measures to bring down the pollution level he will have to take drastic and harsh steps in this direction. Water, air and noise pollutions are certainly bane for any civilised society.

Kejriwal shot into limelight with his Odd-Even scheme of vehicles to control air pollution. Though he himself praises the scheme and counts its benefits it has, practically, not been beneficial at all. Implementing the scheme for mere 15 days cannot yield any result and that people of Delhi came out smarter. They bought different vehicles bearing odd and even numbers.

Solution: To my mind, it will be better to have similar scheme in a different way. No such vehicle to be allowed on road if the last number of registration number matches with the same date. This means if the number of vehicle is 1234 then it will not ply on road on 04th, 14th and 24the of the month. Now it is immaterial whether you have vehicle with odd number or even number because every vehicle will stay indoors at least three days in a month. And this not too much for asking.

Waste Management: Garbage is yet another major problem that is faced by metropolitan cities and Delhi is no exception. Kejriwal will have to encourage Waste Management Plants so that waste can be used in a more constructive way. Utilising plastic is a bigger challenge in this direction and we can take case studies from developed countries on this issue.

Flooding of roads: Come monsoon and the Delhi roads are deluged in rainwater. The phenomenon repeats itself every year, lots of breaking news on TV channels puts the administration to shame but the whole episode is forgotten as soon as the rains are over. The chief minister will have to look into the issue of rainwater, see how to utilise it and cleaning of the drains.

Suggestion: Would it be possible to recharge fast depleting underground water table with rainwater ?  Are we well utilising the rainwater that the streets of Delhi receive in huge quantity regularly every year ? 

Public Libraries/ Museums: A city earns reputation with quality education and amusement facilities it offers to the public. While the AAP government has many claims in improving the education in government schools it has yet to a come up with a couple of decent public libraries. Who can better understand the importance of a library than Kejriwal himself who himself is an alumni of IIT and successfully cracked civil services examination !

Delhi organises book fairs regularly which are visited by millions of admirers. This shows that how much 'book hungry' the people of Delhi are ! One would like to see the Delhi government coming up with public libraries, no matter if they offer paid membership.

Similarly the Delhi government should also plan a grand museum in the national capital. This will make the city an international destination, provide amusement facility to people and bring revenues to the government.

KEJRIWAL, A CHALLENGER

It is easy to expect from the chief minister who has proved to the people that he is in office just for one cause-- bring about positive changes in the administration, public life and cleaner politics. Kejriwal has given wings to the people's expectations without any greed or discrimination. This makes him a bigger challenger to other veterans as people have started seeing him as a role model now. 

Indian politics has seen a revolution of sorts in the last few years when Narendra Modi emerged as the messiah of hopes and aspirations of people. Modi got huge mandate as he came with heart winning speeches and real-life promises. While the entire country was in the grip of 'Modi Wave' here comes another challenger whose name is Arvind Kejriwal. Modi made a magical effect in Indian politics but Kejriwal has set a new benchmark for all other politicians who dream big.

We have seen Modi-Kejriwal tussle in the past but as of now we hope to get the best from Modi at national level and Kejriwal at state level. Both the leaders are like a 'soldiers in offices'-- people sleep with peace in their homes while they work.

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NOTE

Also read my other pieces:
Copy/ Paste the given links to read these Blogs. 

1) हवा ही है ज़हरीली (2019)
http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2019/12/blog-post.html 

2) अब दिल्ली महानगरपालिका चुनाव (2017)
http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2017/04/blog-post.html

3) Monsoon and Delhi Roads (2017)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2017/07/monsoon-and-delhi-roads.html


4) Delhi Fights Pollution: Odds Come Again (2016)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2016/04/delhi-fights-pollution-odds-come-again.html

5) Delhi Pollution: Fighting Odds to make Things Even (2016)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2016/01/delhi-pollution-fighting-odds-to-make.html

6) Delhi Pollution- Check 'Green Agenda' of Builders (2015)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/07/delhi-pollution-time-to-check-green.html


7) Delhi Pollution: Mindless Driving Major Concern (2015)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/07/mindless-driving-polluting-delhi.html

8) मैं और मेरी दिल्ली (2011)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post.html

Delhi fights pollution-- Odds come again!

BY APURVA RAI

THE national capital is ready to witness second innings of odd-even formula for private passenger vehicles. The experiment, initiated by Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Admi Party government, has earned people’s appreciation and hence the second innings. There are indications that the formula might emerge as a regular feature in Delhi in near future.

The Delhi government is jumping with joy over the scheme though it is a matter of debate how fruitful the first phase of odd-even experiment was. One cannot say, for sure, whether the air pollution declined during first phase of the experiment but one thing that most people experienced was a comforable drive on Delhi roads and partial freedom from everyday traffic jams.

Good or bad, convenient or inconvenient the odd-even experiment has proved one thing— private cars are the biggest culprits and they are solely responsible for increasingly deteriorating air quality in Delhi. Poor cars, the dream machine of every human being whether khas admi or aam admi and the most prized possession of any househoold, are now under the scanner. The cars are now facing music; till now they have been playing the music.

Though the onus of making pollution has fallen on passenger vehicles it high time we dig into other factors and solutions to keep the air clean and make every aam admi breathe easy. Of course, one cannot do away with the Second Opinion which matters most.

What is the real issue?: First thing first. What is the objective-- fighting pollution or curbing car menace. When we are out to fight pollution then why not address and deal with its other causes. Largely overlooked cause is the mindless construction activity in the NCR region which has not only led to massive air pollution but has also caused serious problem of fast eroding undergound water table and harm to greenery. Another issue is development of massive green belts with plenty of plantations on all vacant lands with the help of private players.

Your Prosperity, my problem: One basic thing one needs to understand is that why punish cars which are meant to provide convenience to a person besides granting him a social status. The number of cars in Delhi has not multiplied because every aam admi has bough one; it has gone up because some rich have purchased them in far greater numbers than what is acceptable. The rich feel they can afford it though they fail to think whether the city where they are driving too can afford it. 

Said or unsaid, shown or unshown, a lot of black money is spent in buying cars and builder apartments in our country. Since you are free to buy any number of cars and builder houses go on spending on them without anybody questioning you. And ultimately it leads to the saying, 'your prosperity has become my problem'. In fact, the entire problem of air pollution and traffic jam is the result of wrong spendings of a prosperous few.

Secondly, personal cars cannot be singled out as the technology adopted by the automobile industry is highly developed and pollution norms too stringent. It is unfortunate that the entire onus of pollution has fallen on poor cars.

Restrict purchase of cars: If people have a choice to buy another car and have money in their pocket why will they not buy it? After all who wants to lead a life of discomfort. And if another car is purchased then the whole purpose of odd-even formula is beaten! So there should not be a choice to purchase yet another car particularly the big one. How can you compare one family with two cars-- one compact sedan and one hatchback or two hatchbacks with anotjher family with two large sedans. The large sedans consume more, pollute more and occupy more space. So why not impose restrictions on such families. Also, purchase of third and fourth cars should be made nearly impossible with the levy of heavy duties. Afterall, the size matters and the quantity counts. Let Delhi become the first state in India where one cannot buy a vehicle according to his/ her wish.

Also, once a person has bought a car he/ she should be disallowed to buy another for next five years. So no frequent changing of cars. Buy a car then ride it for at least five years. There should be a countrywide rule that RC will not be changed for five years from the date of purchase of the vehicle. This condition may also be applied on two-wheelers.

Parking details: It should be mandatory for a person to furnish parking details at the time of buying a car. If there is parking space for only one car then purchase of second car cannot be allowed.

Parking trouble: People buy another car without caring where to park it. This causes trouble to the neighbours and others in the society. Many instances of quarrels, fights, killings, damage to vehicles come to light in big cities over car parking. In cities it is not uncommon to find cars parked oerennially on roadside. I need to know whether the government has allowed free car parking on roadside. If people are parking personal vehicles on roadside they should be made to pay penalty for it on annual basis just like road tax. This will benefit the government as well. Let Delhi become the first state where parking on roadside/ pavements/ lanes and bylanes invites penalty.

Bicycles with battery: There is lot of emphasis on bicycles and cycling has become fashionable too. Many people, including the Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia, cycled to their offices during the first phase of odd-even experiment. What happened afterwards-- the cycles were left behind and other means of transport used by everyone right from VIPs to aam admi. This goes on to suggest that cycling is not the ultimate solution. In extreme weather conditions that we have in India, it is not possible to go to your office on a bicycle everyday. What should be done then? Why not push for the Battery bicycles!The Second Opinion feels that if small batteries can be developed and fitted in bicycles then chances are it might become an all-weather conveyance; good to move out in cold and convenient in summers as well. The small, affordable battery can encourage many more people to adopt bicycles as their mode of transport while going to short-distance office or local markets. We need to pay attention to the fact that battery rickshaws have turned out to be huge success.

Mopeds: Apart from battery bicycles use of mopeds for short distance travel needs to be encouraged. The government must come out with heavy duty exemptions on them. The idea is to make mopeds up to an engine capacity of 60 cc very-very affordable for the aam admi. Many people use cars for local shopping or to perform everyday domestic chores. This task can be easily done on a moped and save road space, fuel and avert pollution. Manufacturers may be asked to come up with fresh, useful designs to cater to the needs of the people.

Cab menace: Vehicular pollution, traffic jams and road accidents are a gift of innumerable cabs plying on Delhi/ NCR roads. It is time that the number of cabs are restricted. Various steps can be taken by the government to discourage use of mini/ small vehicles running as cabs.

Vehicle (not car) pooling: Companies/ institutions using cabs may be asked to switch to luxury mini buses for the benefit of staff and society. This will lead to larger number of people travelling in a single vehicle. The companies may be asked to provide paid transport facility so that people coming from one direction at one given time can avail it. This is the best example of vehicle pooling and saving money and environment. Luxury coaches and discomfort of everyday driving will certainly attract more people to this system. This system will also reduce dependence on public transport leading to lesser crowd. Yet another advantage is that the vehicle is available at the office premises and drops staff close to their home.

Chartered buses: All of a sudden chartered buses, once very popular, have disappeared from Delhi roads. These buses plied from various office locations and

dropped them in their respective localities. If re-introduced many people will stop using their cars and take these buses. Introducing air conditioned

luxury coaches will be preferred as people look for comfort and don't mind paying for it.

Working hours: Why should all office open at the same time, close at same time and get holiday on same day? Office timings are the biggest factor of traffic jams in large cities these days. Surprisingly the closing hours of most offices are longer than their working hours! It is advisable to have two shifts even if it is office work. This will bring more efficiency besides reducing pressure on roads at one given time. The government may start functioning from morning itself with the first shift reporting at 8. The second shift might come from 1 p.m. This system will reduce pressure on public transport at one particular time, expand working hours of public departments and bring in more efficiency.

Check commercial vehicles: Why the government is not strict on commercial vehicles like trucks and buses which emit thick black smoke and make our living

a hell. We need to implement strict plan on use of these vehicles to check air pollution in Delhi and NCR areas. 

The odd-even experiment is no doublet a good beginning but this is not the solution to the growing pollution problem. The government needs to be more serious towards other issues and adopt a wider strategy to tackle this menace.

NOTE

Also Read my other Blogs on Delhi:

1) BECOMING KEJRIWAL! (2020)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2020/02/becoming-kejriwal.html

2) हवा ही है ज़हरीली (2019)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2019/12/blog-post.html 

3) अब दिल्ली महानगरपाविका चुनाव (2017)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2017/04/blog-post.html

4) Monsoon and Delhi Roads (2017)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2017/07/monsoon-and-delhi-roads.html

5) Delhi Pollution: Fighting Odds to make Things Even (2016)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2016/01/delhi-pollution-fighting-odds-to-make.html

6) Delhi Pollution- Check 'Green Agenda' of Builders (2015)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/07/delhi-pollution-time-to-check-green.html

7) Delhi Pollution: Mindless Driving Major Concern (2015)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/07/mindless-driving-polluting-delhi.html

8) मैं और मेरी दिल्ली (2011)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post.html