From disruptor to consummate political player

KEJRIWAL’S POLITICS HAS CHANGED SINCE 2017. HE RECOGNISES NOW WHAT HE NEEDS TO FOCUS ON WHAT TRAPS TO SIDESTEP

nNEWDELHI: When Arvind Kejriwal first made his mark in India’s public life, he was seen as a wellintentioned, sincere civil society activist, using the Right to Information Act to empower citizens.

When Kejriwal truly became a visible public figure, as a leader of the India Against Corruption movement, he was seen as an angry disruptor. He was channelling the fury that many felt at the infirmities and the corruption in the system; he was also providing a tangible solution by suggesting that having a strong Lokpal would tackle this systemic issue.

When Kejriwal set up a political party, became chief minister, went on dharna, contested against Narendra Modi in Varanasi, and attempted to expand the party nationally, he was seen as a bit of an anarchist, whose ambitions far outstripped his party’s base and experience. He hunkered down, went back to the basics, and won Delhi in 2015.

To his credit, Kejriwal learned from all these episodes to evolve. He also, possibly, looked at what other chief ministers who had been successful, and had retained power, were doing. From 2017, his politics has been different. His leadership style has both seen elements of continuity, but also a degree of rupture. And this has paid off now, with the Delhi CM re-elected for his third term.

What, then, are the components of this leadership model?

The first is complete control over the party. The second element is recognising the power of the media.

The third element is messaging, and keeping the message simple. The fourth is the decision not to take on the BJP on the question of national leadership. The fifth is the decision to assert his religious faith and nationalist identity.

It is this combination which explains the new Kejriwal school of leadership.