Arvind Kejriwal was playing right into the hands of his critics. Being a Chief Minister, his taking to the streets can be easily condemned as anarchism and ridiculed as political immaturity. He would do well to remember that he is an elected representative who is expected to employ diplomacy and dialogue and not demonstrations and dharnas. His activism was an instant hit when he was addressing real issues that affected the common man, but he now needs to develop political wisdom. He is sending out the dangerous message that he no longer believes in the institution of democracy.
Yoganandh T.,
Salem
The Delhi Chief Minister should be in charge of law and order in the National Capital Territory as he is answerable to the people on their security concerns. Of what avail are strict laws when there are no means to enforce them? The enforcers, the police, find their hands tied by extraneous commitments. Therefore, the only option left is to reform, overhaul or repossess the institution of law enforcement. Mr. Kejriwal is like a horse-rider who finds himself forced to win a race with the injured horse that is the Delhi Police.
R. Sivram Karthi,
Chennai
Mr. Kejriwal is being freely labelled an anarchist in the worst sense of the term. But unlike our traditional politicians, he has not burnt down buses and shops. He has chosen to protest peacefully against a Central government that has forgotten its primary duty of protecting its citizens. We must be proud to have a man like him in our midst.
Anandasubramanian C.P.,
Chennai
The Aam Aadmi Party appears to be turning into the All Anarchists Party. Its game plan seems to be to antagonise the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, and thereby elicit more support from the aam aadmi , who has these days developed a strong distaste for the current crop of politicians. Once they gather a sizeable number of seats in the Parliament elections, which they look good for, they can explain their current behaviour away saying even Gandhiji and Jayaprakash Narayan were anarchists who disobeyed the prevailing law of the land for a cause.
Victor Frank A.,
Chennai
Regular reports of rising crime rates in the NCT of Delhi cause one not a little disquiet. What is a clear case of inefficiency among the Delhi Police is being attributed to maladministration on the part of the Delhi government. While it is not prudent, given the sensitivity of the NCT, to remove the Delhi Police out of the Centre’s control, it may be wise to have the force report to the local government for day-to-day law and order situations. It is time this middle path is charted out and the Delhi Police is shared between the Centre and the local government.
Ankur Sharma,
Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh Many were confused as to why Mr. Kejriwal, who appears otherwise to be a very clear-headed person, was taking recourse to disruptive activity with his dharna. Mr. Kejriwal’s latest complaint was the result of a paradox built into the Constitution, which treats Delhi as a State. The Home Minister enjoys power as head of the Delhi Police Department but does not accord importance to the welfare of Delhiites; the police have not been answerable to the citizens. If, therefore, Mr. Kejriwal is to occupy the post of Chief Minister and is to be responsible for Delhiites’ welfare, the police must report to him. Else, Mr. Kejriwal must be re-designated Mayor of Delhi city, and law and order made the responsibility of the Home Minister.
C.D. Murty,
Hyderabad
