IMPACT OF KEJRIWAL’s ARREST

Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest has been dominating the headlines in a way that perhaps the BJP may not want it to. But given the Aam Admi Party’s penchant for publicity and the flamboyance of his politics this was a given. What the Modi government has done – inadvertently or on purpose – is the give the Opposition alliance (INDIA) a face and an issue. During the Ram Lila Maidan rally it was a hoarding of Kerjiwal’s face that was the backdrop, his wife Sunita was given prominence on stage (as was Hemant Soren’s wife but since this is Delhi, the former dominated). The crowds too wore t.shirts of ‘I Am Kejriwal’ and came in his support. Given that the AAP is in power in just one and half states, this was quite a hijacking of the Opposition’s agenda.

By not refusing to resign as CM and functioning from Tihar Jail (via missives to his wife) the Delhi Chief Minister is daring the Lt Governor to dismiss him. It is a Who Blinks First fight between the centre and the Delhi Govt. If Kejriwal is dismissed then he gets a narrative to carry forward to the Delhi polls (due early next year) that this entire episode was staged just so the centre could get control of the Delhi Government.

To an extent, what happens next will be decided by the courts for at the time of writing AAP leader Sanjay Singh was granted bail. He is a trusted colleague of Kejriwal’s who will muster the requisite crowds and support for the jailed leader. And also, keep providing fodder to the headlines.

The BJP is keen to make corruption and dynasty a two pronged issue against the Opposition but this is a card that may backfire for Kejriwal’s arrest came on the heels of a clean chit given to Praful Patel. Why are only opposition leaders being targeted, is a refrain that is slowly making its way to Delhi’s drawing rooms. While Kejriwal’s appeal is limited to the capital and to a much lessor extent Punjab and Haryana, the BJP has succeeded in giving his arrest a pan Indian touch by making the ED an election issue.

Was this smart strategy for knowing Modi he doesnt move without a plan. Is the next step on his agenda early elections for Delhi (there is talk that these could be held as early as July once the Lok Sabha polls are over). and if so , wont the sympathy wave work in favour of the AAP rather than the BJP?

Certainly there is more to all this than meets the eye. And given that both Kerjriwal and Modi know well how to milk a moment, this is a game that should be closely watched.