Arvind Kejriwal's contempt of court

Arvind Kejriwal made serious allegations against many leaders of non-AAP parties. One does not know the veracity of these charges. At least, the accuser must have thought of them as true.

Some of these allegations have been fought in courts of law and considerable judicial time has been spent on them (injudiciously, in hindsight). Courts are already reeling under Docket Explosion. Kejriwal has done a signal disservice to Indian judiciary by preempting its precious time through diversionary tactics.

The courts should view this disrespect for judiciary seriously. Even if the accused have accepted Kejriwal's apology and are ready to withdraw their plaints, judiciary should put its foot down and demand that the accuser prove his charges or be punished for contempt of court. If the courts express their disdain for frivolous political allegations, politicians may learn to behave better.

St.Stephen's

St.Stephen's College, Delhi is one of the most reputed educational institutions in the country, and perhaps in the world. Therefore, its alumni need to behave in an exemplary manner so that the image of their alma mater is not diminished.

Hence it is sad to witness the recent sordid behaviour of some of its well known products. It is now too early to forget the misdemeanour of Shashi Tharoor towards his wife, notwithstanding the clumsy attempts of authorities to whitewash the whole appalling episode. (Reading his article on "The Elitism of Merit" in Stephania, the alumni newsletter, I could not reconcile myself to the sinister disconnect between the writer's words and deeds.)

Another worthy who brings nothing but ignominy to the alma mater is Salman Khurshid. Recently, in a mood full of pique, he claimed, "R.K.Singh was a classmate of mine (at St.Stephen's). I never had a great impression about his intellect." R.K.Singh is a former Home Secretary in GOI. Khurshid is unable to realise that he is running down his college when he questions the intellectual fervour of his classmates. Of course, diversion of funds meant for the physically challenged by Salman Khurshid and his family is still in people's memory.

Mani Shankar Aiyer's pathological indecency towards his political opponents is another instance of Stephanian brilliance gone berserk. Some time ago, he was mean-minded enough to pontificate on the intellectual difference between IFS and IRS personnel. He was comparing his egomaniac self with Arvind Kejriwal.

Aam Aadhmi Party comes of age

There is a saying that a couple understands themselves better after their first fight and not after their first night. When rifts arise, awareness of ground realities expands.

It is good that AAP has formed the government in Delhi. Appointment of ministers has caused the first rift in the party after its success in elections. Of course, Arvind Kejriwal has denied the existence of any rift. This proves that Kejriwal is maturing as a politician since one of the requirements for success in Indian politics is the readiness to deny the obvious and the ability to concoct the absent.

Vinod Kumar Binny left the AAP meeting in a huff and this was interpreted as his disappointment over his non-selection as a minister. He also assured the media that he would later hold a media conference and divulge details about functioning of the party. Kejriwal wants us to believe that Binny met him only to request him not to consider him for any ministership. Great!

Arvind Kejriwal : A dog in the manger?

Aam Aadmi party has done exceptionally well in Delhi. Kejriwal's triumph over Sheila Dikshit in New Delhi constituency was the icing on the cake for AAP.

Kejriwal's post-election attitude does not enhance his reputation. He has decided that AAP will not support either the BJP or the Congress to form the ministry. AAP has every right to decide so. But he has gone further and decided that AAP will not accept support from any party to form the government either. This "neither they nor us" policy leads only to re-election. There is no guarantee that the re-election would produce majority for any party. Further, elections are costly affairs.

Citizens of Delhi have a right to expect Arvind Kejriwal to become chief-minister and start delivering on his party's promises. If Kejriwal reneges on this and imposes re-elections, he will be seen as derelict. If he sincerely takes up responsibility as chief-minister and performs in line with his assurances, any attempts to destabilise his government will surely be rebuffed by citizens.

If three party contests become the norm, this situation of 'hung legislature' will become more common. In order to avoid political instability, we may have to amend the law regarding votes of confidence in the legislature. The party in government may not be required to obtain support from more legislators than it had won in the elections. Such a provision may make life easier for the likes of Kejriwal and will be conducive to political stability.