And lessons to be learnt from it
While elections in Pakistan routinely result in the same amazingly durable cast of the usual suspects, the vibrancy of India’s democracy was amply demonstrated with the resounding defeat of the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Aam Admi Party (AAP) in Delhi state elections. In an unprecedented election result, the AAP won a staggering 67 of 70 seats and over half the vote share while the BJP managed to gain just 32 per cent.
Though not a large state with a population of 15 million, the Delhi result represents a significant erosion of the BJP’s once unquestionable grasp on power. More telling was the failure of Congress to secure a single seat, starkly highlighting the fading clout of the Gandhi dynasty and the declining fortunes of a party with a 130-year-old legacy.
The AAP’s precipitous rise is indicative of the disillusionment with traditional party rhetoric which never seems to match reality. The AAP’s focus on poverty alleviation allied with party leader Arvind Kejriwal’s calls to root out corruption from government has resonated deeply with the people. In addition, the resurfacing of the BJP’s hard-line elements has caused tension with the country’s Muslim and Christian communities. According to Delhi police, at least nine churches have been attacked between 2012-2014. In contrast, the AAP takes a more embracing stance towards India’s aggrieved minorities, with Kejriwal’s condemnation of a recent attack on a Christian school in Delhi.
In the wake of his party’s victory, former tax inspector Kejriwal asserted, “The people of Delhi have achieved something spectacular… With the help of people, we will make Delhi a city which both poor and rich will feel proud of.” His appointment as Chief Minister of Delhi signals a new chapter in Indian political history where a party of protest against an iniquitous staus quo has loudly made its presence felt.
Though Pakistan suffers from a similar sense of malaise with unceasing corruption, increasing wealth inequality, sectarian strife and a lack of basic infrastructure, the country’s political system has never been able to effect the same sort of seismic power shifts through its democratic process. Charismatic leadership by Imran Khan has seen significant ground gained by the Tehreek-e-Insaaf in the most adverse conditions where the levers of power have been zealously guarded by the traditional ruling parties and ‘establishment’. The headway gained by Tehreek-e-Insaaf is a heartening signal of the emergence of viable alternatives for a country dominated by dual-party politics. Whether Pakistan’s treacherous political landscape allows for any meaningful pluralism still remains to be seen.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent phone call to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wishing Pakistan good luck in the World Cup does not betray the ongoing tension between the two nuclear neighbours. Polarisation over the seemingly intractable Kashmir dispute was evidenced when BJP student activists disrupted a seminar on Kashmiri self-determination at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi on Friday 13th February.
However, it is hoped that the upcoming visit of Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, to Pakistan will help to quell border violence. These talks were scheduled to take place last year but were cancelled by the Indian government. The escalation in firing from both sides along the border was addressed by US Secretary of State John Kerry last month who urged both countries to resume dialogue.
In spite of the historic animosities between the two neighbours, Delhi’s recent election result represents a win for democracy and serves as an inspiration to Pakistan where real democracy centred on the welfare of citizens still remains an elusive goal.