The second innings

     The newbie in Indian politics was over ambitious and impetuous. He abdicated the throne when the going got tough. Nobody gave him a ghost of a chance in the aftermath of the last general elections.  He ploughed a lonely furrow, clawing and burrowing his way back from the pits. He trekked relentlessly through the lanes and by-lanes of Delhi, coughing and spluttering, unmindful of the fact that he was labeled an anarchist.
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     He admitted his folly, owned up to his gaffes and apologized to the people for deserting them midstream. He was hence their new messiah with a​ growing band of followers. The same audience that sniggered at him after his first innings of 49, cheered him when he pleaded with them for a chance to play the second innings.  If ever there was a story of resurrection as phenomenal as the one we just witnessed in Delhi, it was that of Arvind Kejriwal, the maverick politician, who rose like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes.

     He was up against a sartorially elegant show-stopper, yet he wore the humble muffler effortlessly, making a style statement that resonated with the masses. The lion volleyed and thundered from lofty heights, while he sauntered along, oblivious to the din, in his easy, languid mien. Was it a case of David vs Goliath, hubris vs humility or a lone man vs a formidable army?

     He dared the mighty and tamed the lion in his own den. Or did he? Only time will tell. If he keeps his promise of working for the benefit of the common man, irrespective of caste, colour, creed or religion, democracy would be the biggest winner.  

     The Indian voter sends a strong message in every election and politicians would do well to listen to their voices.  People rarely forgive twice. 

     A failure is a disheartening diversion but not the end of the road. That he did not give up was his biggest success.

    


     

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