Pass or Fail: What to expect from AAP after Arvind Kejriwal’s swearing in ceremony

Aam Aadmi Party is all set to form the new government in Delhi which is a good sign in the Indian politics. It will be interesting to see the politics of idealism being generated from the office of the chief minister of the national capital.

Arvind Kejriwal, the would-be chief minister, is likely to take oath on December 26 from Ramlila grounds. It is a special place for him after Jantar Mantar as it was virtually his home during the Janlokpal and anti-corruption movement.

But more interesting will be to watch AAP – a party with only few people having administrative or political experience, that too little – working to deliver the promises they made to the people of Delhi who ensured their victory and gave an affirmative referendum result to the party.

Among the many promises that AAP made is reduction of electricity bill by 50 percent, free water supply upto 700 ltrs, passing of Janlokpal, formation of Mohalla Sabhas, formation of women protection cell and bringing Delhi police, Delhi Development Authority and Municipal Corporations of Delhi under Delhi government.

While Kejriwal has already started with denying Z-level security offered to him by the Delhi police, he can also announce shunning of VIP cars and bunglows by his ministers right away after taking the oath. But for every measure he would like to take, like he promised in AAP’s manifesto, he will either have to pass a resolution in Delhi assembly or bring a bill for the same.

In the case of Mohalla Sabhas having financial powers they will have to change the Delhi Municipal Act. And for Janlokpal to be passed within 15 days, he may well have to move against the constitution of the country, which is a difficult proposition.

Since Delhi police comes under home ministry, Kejriwal will have to take its sanction before creating any new cadre or cell or department. Bringing other institutions under the Delhi government too will require lobbying the central government.

Opening 500 more schools is another difficult proposition as there is scarcity of land. Many schools in Delhi already do not have a playground which is mandatory under the RTE. Also, mid-level schools or “Mohalla schools” as we call them are also being closed because of several norms they fail to meet under RTE. Plus land is not controlled by Delhi government.

So, expect no actual business by the Kejriwal-led Delhi government this year. Maybe next year they will try and figure out how to deliver on the unrealistic promises they made.

As the whole world, including the Congress party which changed its stance at the last moment and a strong opposition BJP, will be keenly watching them, the cookie better not crumble.