The Monarch of Democracy: A Look at Arvind Kejriwal's Commentary on Delhi's Governance

B.C., they say, was a time when power was in the hands of feudal lords. Today, it's the democratic era where leaders like Arvind Kejriwal have emerged as figures of influence and authority. However, the question remains: who rules, and how do their actions reflect the essence of democracy?

Context and Frustration

Arvind Kejriwal's recent comments have once again stirred debate. In a recent video, he discussed the climate of power and control that he feels is his to wield. He mentioned, “I am the elected head with 67 out of 70 seats support of the people. How dare the LG who is a mere nomination of the Nazi Sanki terrorist junta regime dictate his terms on me.” This has sparked a discourse around the nature of leadership and the true meaning of power in a democratic system.

Democracy as a Monarchy with a Time Limit

Insightfully, we can view democracy as a form of monarchy with a built-in time limit. When a leader or a political party gains a majority, they essentially become the monarch for a defined period, often five years for elected positions such as C.M., M.P., or P.M. This leader has the authority to govern, enact laws, and take decisions in a manner that benefits their constituents or ideology.

Consider the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite widespread dissatisfaction with his policies such as demonetization, he remains the Prime Minister due to his party’s electoral victory. Similarly, in the case of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, even though there may be public discontent with certain policies, he still retains his position. This reflects a core aspect of democracy: leaders have the power to govern with a certain level of independence, until their term ends or they are voted out.

The Legacy of Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal, often referred to as "Dilli K Malik" (Leader of Delhi), has left a significant mark on Delhi’s governance. He has been praised for his efforts in setting up oxygen plants during the early days of the pandemic, which saved countless lives. Even when faced with criticism, from his advertisements to policy implementation, Kejriwal has consistently shown resilience and dedication to his role.

More recently, Kejriwal has faced accusations of being a goonda, almost implying that he lacks the respect and legitimacy of other political figures. However, his continued presence in the political landscape underscores a deeper truth: in our current democratic framework, all elected officials hold a certain level of power and control over their respective regions.

Reflections on Kejriwal's Statements

Kejriwal's statement can be seen as a reflection of his frustration and the challenges he faces in governance. He is not under the same constraints as other elected officials who may be part of a coalition. His stance is particularly bold, especially given the prevailing political climate and the limited powers the opposition may hold.

While it may seem paradoxical, the so-called "malik" (leader) is indeed the one in charge, but within the confines of the democratic framework. Leaders like Kejriwal, despite facing public backlash and criticism, remain in power through the will of the people, which they have proven in elections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal's comments, while provocative, highlight the nuanced nature of power in a democratic society. Leaders, whether we love or hate them, hold significant authority and can govern with a certain level of independence. However, this independence is not absolute; it comes with the expiry of tenure and the possibility of electoral defeat. Hence, the question isn't about who rules, but how democratic processes ensure accountability and change when necessary.

As a citizen of Delhi, I feel a mix of pride and frustration at the current governance. While Kejriwal may often find himself at the center of controversy, his influence is undeniable. The enduring debate around his leadership will continue, but at least for the moment, Delhi's Malick, Arvind Kejriwal, remains a central figure in the story of our city.