The Broom Wave hits Delhi.

The last few days were a clear indication that the Aam Admi Party (AAP) would once again make a strong comeback; but honestly, I never expected it to be such a powerful record breaking comeback to win 60+ seats in a 70 seat house. Mr. Kejriwal is fortunate that Delhi has not only been forgiving but also generous to AAP to bring it back into power with such ferocity. I only hope that the leadership and core team does not screw it up like the last time.

The people of Delhi have shown India that the electorate needs to rise above the divisions created by political leaders to carve out vote banks and select governance based on issues that affect all. So putting religion, caste, social status, education level and other such attributes aside the people have voted in unison in pursuit for a Delhi that is safer; less corrupt; less polluted; less affected by people in power; not starved for utilities or essentials; and not bullied by those "well connected". Clearly; the people felt that neither the Congress nor the BJP can deliver on their expectations and both the national parties have been shown the door. It's time for a great deal of introspection by both these parties and maybe time they understood not to underestimate the angst of the common man. 

I feel sorry for Kiran Bedi. She would have actually made a better CM than Mr. Kejriwal; and had she remained with AAP, Kejriwal should have offered her that seat. She is an asset for the BJP despite the loss (hers and the Party); and Mr. Shah should actually consider weeding out those within the Party that are actually responsible for the poll results.While BJP needs a State level shake up, the Congress has a much larger problem. The reflected mood clearly conveys that a Congress led by any member of the Nehru-Gandhi family is now unacceptable. 

Kejriwal has already made it clear that staging "dharnas" (rallies) would be an act of last resort. So one can be sure that he will no longer be labeled "Anarchist" Kejriwal. AAP will also have to stay away from playing the over sensationalizing "drama" party; the need for it is gone. The manifesto objectives of AAP are not that easy to implement and there will be a lot of support required from the Center to see them through.  While the PM has been gracious in congratulating Kejriwal; it is to be seen if his Government will cooperate with the State; as achieving the set objectives will make AAP even stronger much to the disadvantage of the BJP in further election encounters. Once again, the PM has been clear that the BJP has been empowered with a National agenda and it will cooperate with all States irrespective of the leadership. If the principle is followed; BJP will truly emerge bigger in the next national elections. On the other hand AAP can potentially become a major migraine for the Centre with this kind of majority. It will do exactly what BJP does in the Center - pass ordinances. If Centre opposes AAP's initiatives then the so called "Egg Kejriwal" will hit the PM's face as AK will say "We did it but Center opposed it - what can I do?"

Mr. Modi was never really considered CM material; but despite all the labels attributed to him changed the face of Gujarat. It is the success of the Gujarat model over a decade that elevated him to be called the perfect PM material. While the people may be discontented with his tenure as PM so far, the policies he is putting in place will show results in a decade; exactly how they did in that long and hard walk in Gujarat, AAP too was considered an underdog last year; but after this Delhi victory it has got itself into a situation where every sneeze of it will be heard throughout the Nation. It may not have a voice in the Parliament; but it has control of all roads leading to the Parliament and that is what makes this tiny City-State so important.  Kejriwal will have to tame his ambitions for now. Rather than trying to increase its ambit of influence all over, it should start with the adjoining States of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and possibly Uttrakhand. He has time. Within 2 to 3 years; if most people in Delhi sing "I am Happy" then the effect will be contagious enough that YoYo Honey Singh may have to write the lyrics of  the "Jhadoo Dance". 

Overnight the stock market has leaped back as much it had jumped and it looks like it's business as usual knowing that there is a clear winner and it does not matter who. So congratulations AAP and enjoy the broom wave in the Capital. People of Delhi - be ready for severe turbulence for the coming months; riding on the AAP's broom will cause a fair amount of nausea. Truly a tipping point.