It is but natural that we are a nation of cynics. Of course it is not at all surprising we are this way, since we have been governed by a bunch of corrupt, self-seeking megalomaniacs for a long time - primarily Congress in the centre, and a ragtag bunch of opportunists in the states, who denuded the state exchequer for personal gains.
We also are a generation of fools and cowards, who either stayed away from the political spectrum for fear of backlash, or were mere voters who toed the family line - for stability, and safety. From the time our umbilical cords have been cut, we have been trained to obey, and never stray. Our parents drummed into our collective heads, that in order to survive, and possibly thrive, hard work and anonymity paid more dividends than independent thought and leadership. If middle-class India epitomised this culture, the average TamBram family took this as the holy grail and never strayed from this straight and narrow path. Of course, it served its purpose from an economic perspective - middle-class India became educated (not knowledgeable or wise for sure though), and economic benefits flowed.
Now why this lengthy preamble? Because, the several posts and comments I see on FB and elsewhere on the AAP victory in Delhi reflects this psyche. This cynicism has nothing to do with AAP "running away" in 49 days in their first attempt. It has nothing to do with it being a not-so-organized political party. And it has nothing to do with the fear that AAP may derail the Modi magic. It is far far deeper - it is this DNA-aic belief that it is stupid to take risks, and to pick up fights against the goliath, and that our interests are better served by backing the known devil, as opposed to the well-meaning-but-over-ambitious-do-gooder. We fear the unknown. We are cowards.
AAP may not be the answer to all our problems. They may not even deliver all that they promised. I hope they do, and wish them well. But AAP is reflective of the new, younger India, that cares less if a social experiment fails. It cares that they are part of the experiment that has the potential for infinite gain. And even if it is partially successful, it provides the blueprint for a change in the political discourse and execution in this country of naysayers.
I am an entrepreneur. I too chucked a cushy and well-paying job a decade ago to experiment and pursue a dream. AAP fits exactly into this mindset of mine. And that my friend, is why I root for this underdog. And I hope that those amongst you who think like me, hopefully will back an experiment. An experiment whose time has come.
Good day.
PS: Those of you who feel that AAP just mouthed some sops and goodies to keep the voters happy and interested, you may want to spend some time checking this out... https://www.facebook.com/TheDelhiDialogue
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