Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley has slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi for indulging in “excessive gimmickry”.
“Gimmickry is always short-lived. It does not leave its footprint behind. Excessive gimmickry becomes an object of ridicule…it invites public ridicule and anger,” the senior BJP leader said in a statement.
Mr. Jaitley’s obvious reference was to a public hearing, held by the AAP government, where thousands descended, leading to chaos. The exercise was called off mid-way.
The AAP government was becoming a “victim of its own style,” he said. He said if the AAP realised this soon, it would have an opportunity to correct the error. The new government has a “historic opportunity” but voters are ruthless in making their choices, he warned.
“That is the inherent strength of the democracy. They [people] vote in a government and can turn their anger towards the same if it fails to perform. The AAP government has so far confused substantive governance with style of governance. It may be entitled to its unconventional style of governance but that style is not a substitute for substantive governance,” Mr. Jaitley said.
Identifying two challenges before Delhi, the BJP leader said there is an unprivileged Delhi and there is a Delhi which aspires to be a global city. Mr. Jaitley said governance involves policy formulation, and its implementation and policies have to be sound, based on established principles and implemented in a transparent and honest manner.
“Getting positive publicity for serious governance can be a part of clever politics blended with good governance. Publicity without governance is gimmickry,” he opined.
