Monday, May 20th 09:36 PM IST
 

Arvind Kejriwal’s political ambitions are doomed without Anna

Anant Rangaswami

There is no doubt that Arvind Kejriwal is the big loser in the big divorce. Without Anna, he is no longer a great activist; he is reduced to being one among many. Worse, he has not demonstrated the commitment to a cause such as, say, Medha Patkar has. Now that he has turned politician, he will, whether he likes it or not, be tarnished with the same brush. Because of his past closeness to Anna Hazare, he instantly loses because of unfair scrutiny – he will be expected to, even while being a politician, be squeaky-clean in all respects. Every choice of candidate will be under intense scrutiny, every step he takes will be under a microscope. He will no longer have the armour of being an activist to shield him; shorn of that, he will, sadly, be left to the wolves.read less read more

Arun George

Arvind Kejriwal like Anna Hazare has his anti-corruption credentials in place. He doesn’t need to prove himself or his intentions. If anything, he’s perhaps better suited to tackle the tumble of Indian politics as compared to Anna Hazare. He has a clear objective and unlike Anna, will not ally with someone like Baba Ramdev thereby imperiling the entire agitation. His only worry is that unlike Anna, he doesn’t have the charisma or grandfatherly charm. But what he lacks in image, he can make up with going to the grassroots through enthusiastic student movements which he has already begun. Kejriwal isn’t guaranteed success in his political battles but it is too early to write him off.read less read more