Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party will be under scrutiny

AAP-Aam Aadmi Party became a toast of the nation with its stunning performance in Delhi Assembly elections. This shocked not only its opponents Congress and BJP, but also its die-hard supporters.

Many people felt that though Anna Hazare's fast unto death and fight against corruption got tremendous response, when Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP will not find many takers.

That was the reason why Anna Hazare did not enter politics and disassociated from the party. There was also a feeling that no individual and party can stay free of corruption. In politics, it is said even an honest person will turn dishonest drawn by the luxury and comforts of power.

However, Aravind Kejriwal proved all of them wrong. Through unique campaigning, Kejriwal motivated people to vote for them. The moment he announced different manifestos to different constituencies, he captured the imagination of all.

Along with it growing crimes, questions on safety of women, increase in prices, various scams and government's inaction on Swiss bank accounts made people look for a viable alternative.

Now, with the Party announcing its intention to contest 2014 general elections, many are looking at it with huge expectations. But there is a feeling that AAP’s magic worked in Delhi as it is relatively a small state despite being the nation’s capital.

Many are wondering if it is possible for the party to do the same in large states like Uttar Pradesh (where people vote based on caste and religion), Tamil Nadu (where even national parties failed to face AIADMK,DMK bastions) etc.

In Andhra Pradesh,Jai Prakash Narayan with his Lok Satta tried to achieve what AAP achieved longtime back promising good governance. But he couldn't as many other factors played key role. AAP's main plank is its fight against corruption, but 99% of them are corrupt in politics.

Even analysts feel corruption is a non issue citing examples of leaders like Sonia Gandhi,Jagan Mohan Reddy,Jayalalitha, Karunanidhi, Mulayam Singh, Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mayawati etc. But no one is ruling out that AAP will make its presence felt in the upcoming general elections with its unique reach to masses with creative campaigning.

For AAP to defeat all of them will be a daunting task and though it may take decades, some feel it is a good beginning for the party and country.

People will be watching AAP and its leaders as to how immune they will be to the politics of power and corruption and how it will perform as a responsible opposition party and deliver in providing good governance when given power.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation.