Updated by admin on
Sunday, February 15, 2015 02:00 AM IST
New Delhi:
The venue was the same on both occasions he was crowned. Ramlila Maidan. But it was a different Arvind Kejriwal in many ways this time, because of what he said and the emotions he displayed.
Kejriwal repeated his promises of a corruption-free Delhi, common man’s empowerment. However, what was evident was that Kejriwal sounded mature, mellowed, and struck a humble and conciliatory note. In 2013, he launched scathing attacks on political rivals, repeatedly saying “sab mile hue hain”. He now looks keen to “take everybody along.”
Despite a bitter election campaign, which saw barbs flying thick and fast, Kejriwal on Saturday called Kiran Bedi his elder sister who has vast administrative experience. He also found a strategist in Ajay Maken, promising to seek their guidance.
“There are good people in other political parties too. We don’t want to indulge in party politics,” he said. He came across as an astute politician, “appreciating” PM Modi’s busy schedule (he has to go abroad quite often) and asking him to focus on the country but leave Delhi to AAP.
During his first term, he held a dharna and slept on the roadside for two nights to try and seek control over Delhi Police and seek full statehood to Delhi. This time he is seems to be keen to avoid confrontation. “I told the PM that God cannot give a better opportunity than this. I am ready and I hope that the prime minister is also ready to help us and work together,” he said in his speech. “Even though the Delhi Police doesn’t come under the Delhi government, we want to join hands with them. We want constructive cooperation from the Centre.
We will work make Delhi a top-class city,” he added.
Kejriwal resigned when he could not get the Jan Lokpal Bill passed. This time he seems determined to get the Bill passed but wanted a more patient route. He asked the media to be patient and not demand things be done instantaneously.
For example, he regretted their "arrogance" and trying to do too much by looking for electoral victories all over India during the Lok Sabha polls. This time, he said, he will concentrate on Delhi and improve things in the city.
