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The recent Delhi elections have resulted in a significant shift in the city's governance structure, moving from a system characterized by multiple agencies to a more centralized model under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This change is viewed by many, including the author of this article, as a positive development, particularly given the difficulties faced by residents in navigating the complexities of interacting with various agencies like the PWD, MCD, Jal Board, and the Delhi Development Authority. The author, a freelance journalist with extensive experience in both India and internationally, highlights the frustrations experienced by ordinary citizens and residents' welfare organizations in dealing with the fragmented nature of Delhi's previous administration. The article offers a personal account of the author's disillusionment with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, whose initial promise of improved governance and anti-corruption measures fell short of expectations. The author recounts their initial support for Kejriwal, influenced by the India Against Corruption movement, but quickly became disillusioned by Kejriwal's political tactics.
The author critically analyzes Kejriwal's administration, focusing on its failures in various sectors. The freebies offered to the poor, such as free electricity, bus passes, and water, are portrayed as vote-gathering gimmicks that lacked sustainability and ultimately left the beneficiaries disappointed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when essential services like oxygen and hospital beds were insufficient. The author points to the construction of a lavish “7-star” residence for Kejriwal amidst this crisis as a stark contrast to the needs of the people. The author details their firsthand experiences with the inadequacies of Kejriwal’s flagship projects. Mohalla clinics, initially praised in foreign publications, are described as understaffed and poorly equipped, with limited medical resources and unreliable doctor attendance. Similarly, the highly publicized school projects fell short of expectations, with the majority not exceeding the standards of the already problematic MCD schools.
The author further criticizes Kejriwal's governance by highlighting the unfulfilled promises made in Delhi and the failure to address critical infrastructure issues, such as inadequate water supply and sanitation. The author claims Kejriwal’s focus was on self-promotion rather than genuine service, with much of the budget dedicated to advertisements promoting a vision of Delhi that remained unrealized. The author describes witnessing incidents of corruption and questionable appointments within the AAP, eroding trust in the party. This included instances where individuals with controversial pasts or connections to corrupt individuals received party tickets to contest elections. The author highlights how Kejriwal's initial appeal and anti-corruption image started to unravel as allegations of corruption, particularly the liquor scam, emerged. These events led to arrests and bail proceedings, further damaging the party's credibility and contributing to the loss of public trust.
The article concludes by expressing optimism about the potential for improved governance under the BJP. The author believes that the overwhelming vote for the BJP signifies a desire among Delhi's residents, both poor and middle-class, for a better quality of life, rather than simply freebies. The author anticipates a more effective and coordinated approach to addressing the city's challenges, including infrastructure improvements, cleaning up streets, and improving essential services. The article emphasizes that Kejriwal's loss in his own constituency speaks volumes about the failure of his governance model, and the author expresses a belief that a unified administration will result in significant improvements to the lives of Delhi’s citizens. The transition signifies a return to centralized power, a factor the author argues Delhi inherently needs to improve the lives of its residents. The author believes that the change marks a new era for Delhi where concerns about infrastructure, public health, and basic amenities can finally be effectively addressed.
In summary, the article presents a deeply personal and critical account of the author's experience with Delhi's political landscape, particularly under the Aam Aadmi Party’s tenure. It details failures of governance across various sectors, highlighting the disappointment and frustration felt by many citizens. The article uses the author's firsthand accounts and observations to construct a narrative that emphasizes the need for efficient and transparent governance, and expresses optimism for the change in administration. The author hopes this centralized governance model will lead to tangible improvements in infrastructure, quality of life, and effective service delivery to the people of Delhi.