What is well set to be one of the biggest nationalist movements after independence, the Aam Aadmi Party with their outreach politics, has sent the political big wigs scurrying for cover after the latest Delhi assembly elections.

The AAP with its 18 point charter, has promised a lot to the people of Delhi and raised the expectations of the entire nation. Whether they will be able to deliver on these promises, is something that would be put under the microscope by the media and those in opposition. But the more important consequence of the emergence of this David-turned-Goliath is that, it has redefined the ethos of politics.

No longer would the governance percolate top down and the Swiss bank accounts swell bottom up. The decentralization of power and swaraj, if implemented properly, would empower the common man and provide the desired transparency.

The ‘lal batti’ culture, a menace and nuisance for the denizens, would be curbed to some extent. With the new CM and his cabinet turning it down, other MLAs are likely to emulate- even if, it would just be to save face.

It would be interesting to see how and to what extent, they are able to implement the changes they proposed. Their claims of reducing electricity charges by 50% are backed by cogent reasoning and research on their part.

Be that as it may, it is indeed an uphill task for AAP from here on.They would actually have to get their hands dirty when pitted against the water mafia, in their vision to provide 700 litres of free water to every household.

We are really good at criticizing- be it mocking them for the indecisiveness in forming the government or slandering them for taking outside support in doing so. And I am sure, in the days that follow, there shall be countless such opportunities.

For once, we should appreciate what Mr. Kejriwal and his team have achieved and what they have set out to do. The intent is important. And our support, critical. Such a wave has risen 66 years after independence. Don’t write them off just yet..