(Dr Oscar Rebello is a prominent activist and AAP member.)
My dear Team AK/Team YY-PB,
Permit me to introduce myself. I am an ordinary AAP volunteer from Goa. I haven't quit my job as yet to dive headlong into the world of politics, but many of my friends have. Cheerfully (and often despondently), they are building the organization in the state, brick by brick: step by step and heartbreak by heartbreak.
Presumptuously, I have taken it upon myself to speak for them.
And the one overwhelming question that is driving a dagger in our hearts, at the moment, is this: Why has the top AAP leadership in Delhi induced this inexplicable crash after that dizzy high of Delhi 2015? Why this messy split in the marriage, when the family is still young and the kids are still learning to take their baby steps?
Let us first get some indisputable facts on the table.
Fact 1: There can be no question that Arvind Kejriwal (AK), despite his eccentricities, is our lodestar. In Ashutosh's memorable words, our undisputed gladiator and hope. Almost, single-handedly, he navigated our creaking, wooden boat to a resounding victory defeating the mighty flotillas of the BJP and Congress. His sincerity, leadership and passion is simply unrivalled.
Fact 2. Yogendra Yadav (YY) and Prashant Bhushan (PB) are easily two of the most enlightened minds in the country. Unyielding in their conviction of ideology, they are men of a million ideas. Many of these ideas may be outdated and exasperating to the younger generation, but their integrity and unbridled love for AAP can never be doubted.
And certainly they can never be painted as some evil, conniving Darth Vaders slyly walking around with nuclear arsenal, out to torpedo our Starship Enterprise. None of us buy into this silly argument. They were only asking relevant, pertinent questions. If we cannot answer them, the least we owe them is an explanation.
Fact 3: Delhi 2015 was like the magical elixir of life for all of us. It reinforced our belief that the idea of AAP was not just alive, but kicking and kicking real hard. Reverentially (but not sycophantically) we must acknowledge that the credit for this resurrection of AAP goes to AK. Without him, we'd be buried for a long time.
Hence, if these are all undeniable facts, what then is the genesis of this macabre display of the unbelievable absurd, unfolding in Delhi, almost on a sickeningly daily basis?
The answer to my mind lies in the proverbial titanic clash between the "theory" and the "practicals" of our politics.
The "theory" of our politics, that YY and PB are prepared to defend to death, consists of absolutely no compromise with any candidate, with even a light shade of gray in their character, forget 50.
But in this ruthless world of politics, is any elbow space for manoeuvre permitted, to ensure victory at the hustings? Is self-righteousness the only antidote to corruption? That is the practical question.
Because, "practical" (electoral) politics is a different, unkind kettle of fish altogether.
Here, the art of negotiation and compromise is necessary. A little bit of "
jugaad" here and there, so long as you don't lose sight of the larger picture, which is transparent and accountable politics - the calling card of AAP.
It would have been so much more prudent, if once in power, Team AK and Team YY would have expended their energies to set up and strengthen institutions to oversee honest governance in Delhi and they still have five years to do so. This interminable slug fest is simply such a waste of time.
Fundamentally, Team AK and Team YY/PB have not been able to reconcile these two issues. They have been unable to blend the "theory" and "practicals" of our politics into a workable model.
Sadly, they have let their bruised egos and innate over-sensitive natures ride over common sense and are needlessly letting their hearts rule over their heads.
Is there a way out of this impasse? Some way, for this ghastly blood-letting to stop?
Yes, there is.
There is however only one man who can do this. AK himself, our gladiator and hope.
Despite his pain and anguish at being hauled over the coals, repeatedly, he must summon the courage to unleash the most powerful weapon of a great leader - the weapon of forgiveness. He must be charitable in victory, get PB and YY back in action on the PAC, must learn to listen without rancour and he must turn the page to write a new chapter.
On the other hand, PB/YY must also summon the courage to comprehend that "
bade bade deshon mein, aisi choti choti baatein hotein hai." They must reboot and plot the next navigational course of the ship.
Both teams have to negotiate as friends and not as adversaries.
For AAP's sake, for the country's sake, for our sake and most importantly for the sake of your own legacies, please bury the hatchet guys or you'll end up axing the very roots of a great idea you yourselves initiated.
Lots of love,
A distraught & foolishly hopeful volunteer
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this blog are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing on the blog do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.