Let me first wish a great success for Arvind Kejriwal when he, as chief minister forms government of Delhi state.

I was surprised to read, ‘seven reasons why Arvind Kejriwal is not incompetent’. Two of the reasons mentioned in the list relate to being his IITian and a mechanical engineer by qualification.

I am a little sceptical about Arvind on one count. Will Arvind continue in politics and that too in running of the government? Can one fine morning very soon, Arvind announce his wish to leave politics to try something else, say to become a farmer?

Arvind’s career analysis after his passing out from IIT reveals pretty interesting things that forced me to make this remark. Arvind has kept on moving from one field to other.

First, Arvind went for mechanical engineering, perhaps, because his parents wished or suggested that. Like many, Arvind didn’t perhaps, possess any aptitude for mechanical engineering. Arvind joined Tata Steel, the company that many loved to work for and test oneself by getting ahead with technical strength and managerial aptitude. Arvind had whole lot of opportunity to go right up to that world class organisation. However, Arvind used his few years in Tata Steel for preparing for Civil Service Examination rather than learning the tricks of steel making and the intricacies of management. I don’t understand what was his reason to go for UPCS examination. Was it for the opportunity to serve the people at large better or to enjoy life with the perks that it provided officially and for many times unofficially too? Was it again some mentor who pushed or persuaded him to do that, as many do in this country.?

Arvind did succeed in the examination but his rank was only good enough to get into Indian revenue services. Arvind joined. Arvind could have made a difference in Income tax administration too. As deputy commissioner Arvind could have created some model that would have brought a name for him and his department, but again he left it for further education.

As I understand Arvind worked with Aruna Ray for some time, earned a name in getting RTI act passed. But then Arvind again switched to Anna’s movement for Lokpal. Arvind was the main actor in managing everything of Anna Show in Delhi to get an unprecedented success. But the came the differences in Anna team. Anna did not support Arvind’s plan to form a party and fight election. As Santosh Hegde, Kiran Bedi also parted away.

But then riding on the wave of protests created during Anna and Nirvaya protest of younger generations, Arvind did surprise even his own party men and the whole country by winning 28 assembly seats. It was something unprecedented and similar to the anger shown by the people of the country under the leadership of Jai Prakash Narayan after the emergency years of 1977 by bringing first time a non- Congress government in India.

Perhaps based on Arvind’s model of involving the mass in taking his decision, AAP will form the next government in Delhi state. Now comes the challenge in providing effective governance. I wish it does not prove to be ‘rocket science’ as Arvind stated recently.

I wish Arvind proves himself a great leader and applies something that he has promised by innovating some unprecedented approach in getting the electricity rate by half and in providing 700 litres of water for each household. With all my experiences of these years, I can say, it is very much possible with technology and involvement of the vendors. Arvind must take the assistance of the best minds in the country.

Arvind must go for setting up the 500 schools that he has promised, but simultaneously he must engage all his qualified members and volunteers to improve the existing government and private schools, serving the shanties and jhuggies where most of the people below the poverty line live.

Along with regularising the unauthorised colonies, Arvind must involve all his contacts to make the residents responsible too for sanitation and cleanliness.

I have some requests. Shun arrogance and statement that hurts anyone even the worst person in opposition. Advise your close followers too for the same, particularly while talking to media. Keep yourself fit as there are many miles to go. Please depend on your close associates and have an agreed code of conduct for all your members. Succeed as the whole country is anxiously watching your every actions with a lot of hope.

I wish you would made the offer of the throne to someone else and guided the party, but perhaps you don’t want to take that risk. Afterall, Bapu, JP, or even Anna became great leaders without holding any power.

With love, and wishing the best of your senior
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Note:
The 18 things that Arvind will like to do when he becomes CM:
1. Stop the VIP culture Delhi. No MLA, minister or Delhi official will use a red beacon on their cars. No big bungalows nor any special security for them.
2. Passing of the Jan Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare version.
3. People to take decision directly in ‘mohalla sabhas’, held in every locality and colony.
4. Complete statehood status for Delhi with no Central government’s hold on DDA and Police.
5. A special audit of all electricity companies in the national capital from the time these were privatised. Cancel licenses if the company refuse to comply.
6. Check Electricity meters.
7. Make 220 litres of water available for every person daily.
8. Regularise unauthorised colonies.
9. Give clean and affordable ‘pakka houses’ (built up houses) to those living in slums.
10. Give regular jobs to those working on contractual basis.
11. Infrastructural facilities like roads, electricity, water and basic facilities to the ordinary trader.
12. No FDI in retail.
13. Provide facilities and subsidies to farmers in the villages in the national capital.
14. Opening 500 government schools, stop donations in private schools and make the fee system transparent.
15. Open new government hospitals with better facilities.
16. Have special security units for women and tackle all harassment cases within three months.
17. Enough courts and appoint judges so that all cases are dealt with within six months.
18. Ensure the support of the municipal corporations of Delhi.