During the Delhi elections, Arvind Kejriwal made a bold claim: 'I am the magician of accounts.' He said this regarding the Chief Minister's Women Honor Scheme, which promised 2100 rupees per month to Delhi's women.
In reality, he was trying to explain to people not to fall for his political opponents' allegations about securing funds for the scheme. He assured that arrangements would be made at any cost. Yet, it didn't materialize. Despite his best efforts to explain, election results indicated skepticism and disbelief among people regarding Kejriwal's claims.
Kejriwal had long convinced people with his charismatic explanations that often went unquestioned, even when doubts arose. However, a single seed of doubt can topple the most steadfast trust, and this cynicism became a heavy blow to his credibility.
One adage suggests that divine beauty comes with innate elegance; in Kejriwal's case, overwhelming support bred arrogance and a sense of entitlement, which ultimately led to his downfall.
In 2013, after defeating Sheila Dikshit, Kejriwal even ventured to Varanasi to contest in the Lok Sabha elections, taking a sacred dip in the Ganges against BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. However, he could not replicate his Delhi success.
In 2015, he roamed around Delhi apologizing to voters. People again supported him fervently, elevating him to great heights. But soaring too high without solid ground beneath eventually leads to a hard fall, as happened with Kejriwal.
He began considering himself a political wizard. Such enchanting illusions seem exciting but bear no resemblance to reality. Attempting to portray himself and his allies as incorruptible, the illusion shattered, leaving bare truth for all to see. It's not entirely over, yet the setback is significant.
1. Bail for Elections but No Sympathy from the People
Even during the Lok Sabha elections, Delhiites had relayed their message to Kejriwal – essentially delivering a verdict. However, he was determined to face the fiery trial much like Sita Mata. Switching between many personas, from claiming service like Shravan Kumar to transforming into Hanuman, left people bewildered. Trust faltered, and Kejriwal was left floundering.
During his campaign, Kejriwal repeatedly argued that securing Delhi votes would spare him from jail. The people, however, remained indifferent. Despite trying every tactic to garner sympathy, nothing swayed them.
2. Labeling Everyone Dishonest to Proclaim His Own Honesty
Kejriwal accused others of corruption, targeting Congress leadership during the 2011-12 Anna movement, and naming leaders like Sharad Pawar and Lalu Yadav. He labeled all Parliament members as looters and rapists. Although his statements sparked debate, they didn’t lead to a censure motion, but some defamation suits followed.
When legally entangled, he opted for apologies, eventually allying with the Congress, initially labeled as corrupt, to form his first government in Delhi.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he campaigned for Congress candidates, highlighting the public's keen awareness, which speaks volumes in due time.
3. Ending Corruption Promise Turned Out to Be an Empty Slogan
Kejriwal raised hopes but subsequently dashed them. People waited patiently, giving full opportunity. Warning signs emerged when he quit the Delhi Chief Minister position after just over a month in 2013, citing the inability to pass the Lokpal Bill as the reason.
Nevertheless, Delhiites trusted him again in 2015, granting him 67 out of 70 seats, and later 62 seats in 2020. Kejriwal altered his stance repeatedly—the Lokpal bill that propelled his political entry was never mentioned again.
4. Common Man Simplicity Became Merely Promotional Material
Kejriwal was an icon of simplicity when he entered politics. During campaigns, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reminded how Kejriwal traveled in a blue Wagon-R, critiquing heavy security and VIP culture.
The same Kejriwal later faced allegations linked to 'a palace-like' construction at the Delhi Chief Minister's residence and imprisonment in the Delhi excise policy case.
Shortly after becoming Chief Minister, he began adopting practices he once opposed. Journalist and political analyst Ashutosh, a close initial ally, made an astute observation that rings true.
5. Even in Politics, Saleable Items Aren’t Sustainable
Kejriwal emerged from a bureaucratic background through activism, working with the right to information, winning the Ramon Magsaysay award, and keeping movements going into politics. His entry was explosive.
Now it seems that Kejriwal, self-declared 'accounting wizard,' operated like a business, founding Aam Aadmi Party as a political brand and launching various products. Yet, it's evident that while certain things can sell in politics, they aren’t built to last.
