Not AAP-bashing, just an “aap-osite” view perhaps…..

The Aam Aadmi Party’s motives are unquestionably noble. But given that very few members of AAP have the administrative experience relevant to run a government ably, there is a danger that the ministers may rely excessively on the bureaucracy or become so suspicious of babudom’s motives that they look at every suggestion with skepticism and in the process, throw the baby out with the bath-water. Frankly, neither extreme is a desirable situation. In fact, this increases the risk that decisions will be made only to roll them back.

Also, in their desire to stay true to their “aam aadmi” (and aurat) platform, they often seem to ignore practicalities on the ground. For instance, it was only to be expected that thousands of people would want to attend the “janata durbar”. It is a fundamental tenet of planning that you hope for the best but plan for the worst. What was wrong in being prepared for a larger crowd than might eventually show up? Was it just the fear that media might pick up on and report that only a few hundred people showed up? But now, by promising an “online solution”, is the AAP not effectively limiting “jan sampark” to those people who have computers, tablets or phones with internet access? Or at least, to those who can visit a nearby cybercafe and get not just access, but also the assistance in accessing the systems and uploading their complaints. It would be interesting to find out what proportion of “aam janata” has such access- even in Delhi.

Maybe Mr. Kejriwal will consider my suggestion to examine the feasibility of replicating in Delhi what Singapore or South Korea have done in the past- which is to staff key ministries with technocrats who possess relevant experience. Such ministers typically make better decisions because they are professionally qualified in the field they are responsible for.

I am all for a fundamental- but sustainable- change in how governments in India are run. And I wish the AAP becomes the nucleus around which like-minded forces across the country coalesce and unite. Here is one “AK” wishing the very best to another “AK”.