A party that is merely one year old is all set to form government in New Delhi, India's capital. The Aam Adami Party, which literally means the Common Man's Party, has announced its decision to form a government and its leader Arvind Kejriwal will be next New Delhi Chief Minister.
Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has taken the country by storm, in a spectacular display of courage and promise which were laughed off and even mocked on by veteran leaders of the national political parties, such as Congress and even Bhartiya Janata Party.
IBTimes had reported on Sunday that AAP was not just planning on forming a government but was also keen on having its ministers take the oath of office at the Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Maidan. On Monday, Kejriwal confirmed the party's intentions.
After announcing the decision to form the government, Kejriwal told TV channels that if the Lieutenant Governor permits, his party would like to have the oath-taking ceremony at the Ramlila Maidan. The place has a symbolic importance for AAP, as Anna Hazare and Kejriwal had held a massive rally at both the venues, during the protests for bringing Janlokpal Bill. The rallies held at the Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Maidan were pivotal in making Janlokpal as the people' movement that eventually spread across the country.
Newbie AAP, once sworn-in to the seat of New Delhi assembly, will have a mere two-and-a-half months time to fulfil its promises. As after that the election moral code for the 2014 General Elections will be in place and AAP won't be able to bring in any measures, as it would be seen as a step to influence people.
Some of the key promises that could prove to be an uphill task for AAP and its leader Kejriwal are:
* Delivering its promise of providing 700 litres of free water to every household in Delhi, a move that would cost the state Rs 340 crore a year.
* To bring Jan Lokpal or anti corruption ombudsmand within 15 days by calling an open session of New Delhi Assembly.
* Bring electricity rate in Delhi down by 50 per cent by ordering an audit of all distribution companies' accounts.
* Improving security in Delhi by forming a 'Citizen's Security Force' with special focus on safety of aged, women and children.
Kejriwal, the civil servant-turned-politician, will be taking over the New Delhi seat of power that was held from 1998 to 2013 by the Congress party's veteran politician Sheila Dikshit. AAP will now have to prove itself to the people of the country and also to its rivals such as Congress and BJP.
