"I am not here to make a career out of politics. I am here because I realized that it is only when we are in the government that we can change things," he says. What if the chief minister decides to contest from some other seat? "We are opposing misrule. I will fight her in whichever constituency she chooses to contest from," he adds.
A 14-hour day is normal for Kejriwal as he flits between public meetings, padyatras, television appearances and party work, but he says this is a slightly relaxed time for him. "Before the model code of conduct kicked in, I used to leave home at 7am and often returned only around 1am. Now that there are so many restrictions on the kind of campaigning we can carry out, my public interaction has reduced. We do not want to get on the wrong side of the Election Commission. However , even though I have more time at home, party meetings keep me occupied," he says.
As he tours through the city, Kejriwal seems at ease with the adulation people are showering upon him. At red lights people stop and point, some wave while others knock at the car's window to get his attention. Some even ask for autographs. And he doesn't disappoint. He rolls down his window, shakes hands and seeks votes for his Aam Aadmi Party. He even gives his phone number to those who ask for it. "I tell them not to call me though, since I barely have time to receive calls. However, each morning, I respond to every single message that I get," he says.
Kejriwal is not without his critics . "Aise to sab hote hein jab vote maangane aate hein (all politicians are complaisant while canvassing)," says a woman at a manifesto meeting in the Gole Market area. Kejriwal attends four such meetings on Saturday to compile a list of problems in his New Delhi constituency. Around 30 or so attend each meeting , some genuinely interested and some curious onlookers. "It is only curiosity with a new party that has pulled many people to this meeting. We have heard these promises before from other politicians ," says another .
However, there is a certain sense of despair and frustration with the current state of governance in those who engage with Kejriwal . An old woman at KG Marg upstages him for a couple of minutes as she yells her troubles over the mike. He waits, asking the rest to remain quiet and listen to the woman he now calls 'amma' . He tells her that he can't promise to set her life right but he will try. As he hurries from one meeting to another, Kejriwal lends an ear to anyone who wants to talk to him. People stop him on the road, saying they don't want to be at the forefront but would like to help with the campaign.
"I never thought that water would be a problem in this constituency ," says Kejriwal munching on a chapatti and aloo subzi roll, his only meal till he gets back home in the evening. He has water when someone reminds him and pops a sweet when his sugar levels start falling. "Other than water, ill-treatment of servants is another major concern here. Agencies like NDMC and CPWD have also largely ignored the concerns of the lower class people in this area," he says.
He discusses the performance of candidates, distribution of pamphlets and fund-raisers over the phone. In between, he gets a call from a Middle Eastern country against a constituency manager the caller does not find effective.
Four meetings, one court hearing in a defamation case for something he said against the chief minister, and one television interview later, Kejriwal returns home to four more meetings. "Today is a light day," he says. A group of traders is waiting to meet him. They are served water by his wife and half an hour later they leave. Kejriwal walks them out to the elevator and returns alone to some quiet time with a volunteer before people arrive for the next meeting.
"How can I say I am tired when he is going so strong? He barely sleeps for a few hours each night and has to start taking insulin because his sugar levels are going crazy. Hopefully, things settle down in December ," says his wife.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Arvind Kejriwal gears up for poll with 14-hour days
Dengan url
http://sehatputihgigiku.blogspot.com/2013/10/arvind-kejriwal-gears-up-for-poll-with.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Arvind Kejriwal gears up for poll with 14-hour days
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Arvind Kejriwal gears up for poll with 14-hour days
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar