(Arvind Kejriwal is former Chief Minister of Delhi and Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party.)
About a year ago, thousands of young men and women in Delhi began something they had not done before. They sat around dinner tables, discussing and debating politics with their family members. People in Delhi have always debated politics, but this time it was different. This time they stuck their necks out- vouching for a new political party, often writing out cheques with their hard-earned money.
A few months later, this very group had to face the embarrassment of hearing friends and loved ones say: "See, we told you so." Many people across Delhi feel that our actions have let them down. In May this year,we apologised to the people of Delhi for the disappointment caused; and in case you missed it the first time, I do so again - so you hear us loud and clear.
It's also a commonly-held belief that I gave up the Chief Minister's chair in Delhi to fight the Lok Sabha election and become Prime Minister. I didn't.
AAP means a lot of things to a lot of people. To some, it's a force that can combat cronyism and finally allow people to do business. To others, it represents a change from communal and sectarian ideologies. To most, it's a chance to enjoy the rights, freedoms, and safeguards that our constitution bestows upon us. We took the opportunity to represent some of these broader issues in the last election: the right to do business without hafta, and the need to protect the country from open theft of precious national resources.
AAP or no AAP, Kejriwal or no Kejriwal, these are ideals that we all cherish. These are ideals that will never lose steam. AAP has survived many challenges and surmounted great obstacles because we have worked as a team and as a family. This family cuts across all economic and social boundaries. We are the people of Delhi, we understand how to solve its problems, and we understand that the people of this city want to feel like their government works for them.
Let us not underestimate our own power as people - our leaders exist to serve us. Let us not underestimate the power of a government that embraces its people, a government that trusts its people. Government shouldn't exist to lecture and instil fear and insecurity. Government exists to nurture growth and provide stability and security in the hope of a better tomorrow - to paraphrase Tagore: "where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls."
As I seek your blessings in the coming election, please know that I believe stability first starts within, by staying the course, and being honest with the people you hope to serve. Taking lessons from the past only strengthens our ability to deliver on our vision of a truly world-class city. We look ahead with clear eyes and full hearts, filled with a sense of purpose, ready for the task at hand.
We often tell young people they are the leaders of tomorrow, but I disagree.
Their strength is needed in India today. They are here right now, as we are. It's our burden to bear; it's our responsibility to share. Our time is now.
Finally, I can promise you the following: I will not quit. Period.
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