It was the first such gathering in Safdarjung Enclave, my locality, and it was happening in a park right across my place. Curious to see how things unfolded, I strolled in and took a seat.
I'll start off with the facts first and then move on to my impressions. Here's what I witnessed -
- Somnath Bharti seated with representatives from the Delhi Water Board, Municipal Corporation and Delhi Police, office bearers from the RWA (Residents Welfare Association) and an AAP volunteer
- A number of colony residents seated in the audience
- An AAP volunteer roaming amongst the audience with a microphone in hand, for any person who wished to interject or ask a question
- Somnath Bharti talking about the actions he has taken so far, the motivations behind them, his roadmap for the development of the locality and plans to empower the residents
- Residents taking turns to describe their problems, suggestions and complaints to Somnath Bharti
- The MLA questioning the representatives of the Municipal Corporation, Water board and Police about the action taken (or lack thereof) on those complaints
- The representatives answering those questions, as well as providing their names, designations and personal numbers to facilitate direct contact
- Somnath Bharti talking to the representatives about those issues, demanding clear timeframes for resolution right there and asking the representatives to submit a written report to him at the end of that time period
- RWA members and residents appreciating the MLA for his proactiveness and pro-resident actions, as well as his courage on taking on the drug and sex racket in Khirki Extension
- Retired members of the Indian Army and senior citizens of the colony coming forth with their appreciation for the AAP and Bharti's work and pledging their support to the party in the Assembly as well as Loksabha elections
- Residents decrying joining the senior citizens with applause and criticising the media for reporting one side of the story while ignoring the other
- All residents congratulating the AAP on their exit from the Delhi Assembly and applauding them for the decision
- The total absence of any media from the scene
This is the first time I observed an elected politician holding a meeting with members of his electorate in this manner.
My observation was shared by the senior citizens present, who were applauding Bharti and the AAP for their inclusive style of politics. So I guess something like this has happened after a very long time indeed, if not for the first time.
The MLA came, explained his actions, laid out his plans for the future, listened to people's grievances and their suggestions, and initiated time-bound action by involving relevant agencies. As an observer, it is extremely refreshing to see that it is possible to have politics played out in this country in such an open and participatory manner .
The Mohalla Sabha also served as a reality check of sorts. With so many media reports and TV debates about how the middle and upper classes have been turned off by the AAP's "drama" and "non-governance", it's easy to give in to doubt. However, what I observed today put my doubts to rest.
My neighbourhood comprises middle as well as upper class regions. These are savvy people, who have a presence on social media. They watch the same TV debates and read the same newspapers on which the AAP faces daily lashings. However, they all seemed largely unmoved by all the negative publicity surrounding the AAP. There were people in the crowd who put questions to Bharti about the AAP and their choices, and he answered them to the audience's satisfaction.
The session ended with a recital of the National Anthem.
Of course, it's possible that I'm reading too much into it and that my locality is an exception, but I think the AAP has only gained in stature. Especially so amongst the middle class, which values honesty, hard work and accountability, and has been fired up by the AAP's idealism and their brand of inclusive governance.
That is what I observed today.
Source - Ankush.Quora
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