No Reckless Populism Please

Arvind Kejriwal has signalled that his approach to governance will be different than what was on display during his 49-day stint earlier. In a media interaction, Delhi’s Chief Minister elect has said that his party’s focus would be on taking up unfinished tasks for action. His government, he admitted, would have no room for fiscal recklessness.

He will have to walk the talk when he takes charge of the capital. Implementing AAP’s promise of free water and cheap power will only worsen the fiscal condition of the city government. What the city needs is access to clean water. The Delhi Jal Board, which is in no position to even return the loans it had taken, needs massive funds to replace leaky old pipes. In any case, providing freebies to Delhi residents, many of whom live in leafy upscale enclaves, is unacceptable.

In a post-win media interaction, Kejriwal has said that he is a Bania and he knows how a business runs. His implication: there would be no reckless populism. But that, again, is just another promise.

Arvind KejriwalDelhi Assembly election 2015electricity supplypower bills