These days an Indian politician Arwind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has become talk of the town. People from the subcontinent, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, appear to be very excited. Their excitement is justified. All of them are fed up with the rampant corruption in their respective countries. The emergence of a new party and its rise to power has become a source of inspiration to many across the region. Unfortunately, the intelligentsia does not appear to be on the same page with the masses. Every now and then, I read some articles against Kejriwal in this newspaper. This is with reference to an article by Bikram Vohra. I usually read his regular columns with great interest. But in his article on Kejriwal, I wish to disagree with him. What is so infantile about Kejriwal? What else do you think he should do to fight the “all powerful” establishment? Everybody has the right to express his/her opinion but in case of people like Vohra, they should not stop short of putting forward some suggestions. Criticizing some one is the easiest thing to do. Ask any laborer about the politics and politicians of his country, he will spat venom against them or be all praises for them. One should not expect more from them. But people like Vohra are not allowed just to criticize a person or a party. They are the opinion leaders, they must respect people’s aspirations and play their due roles to help the AAP achieve its goal of a corruption-free India. I know it is easy said than done. But at least give it a try. If the AAP succeeds in India, it will inspire others in Pakistan and other neighboring countries. We must give “change” a chance. — Lala, Jeddah
AAP and the intelligentsia
