Aam admi cheers but fingers crossed

NEW DELHI: It was like any other day. No grand celebrations on the streets, only a moment of intense joy and anticipation for those who had voted for Arvind Kejriwal. At Gymkhana Club’s tenthouse for drivers, many were glued to the TV screen from 11.30am. Most had bunked work and even skipped lunch to relish every moment of the eventful day.

As Kejriwal broke into an old Manna Dey song, the drivers were full of mirth, occasioned by his raspy voice and a hope that Delhi will change for the better. “A miracle has happened . It reminds us of the film ‘Nayak’ where Anil Kapoor was chief minister for a day. Kejriwal should now deal with inflation and work for the poor,” said Sant Kumar. Their conversations ranged from the practicality of his promises and his rejection of a security covers to their personal experiences of corruption.

“Many have skipped meals today to watch Kejriwal on TV. Drivers identify with him. He is not like other politicians who seem to serve only the rich,” added another driver, Ashok Kumar. Some Army personnel had also gathered. “Can you imagine a CM taking aMetro ride? Army jawans are with him because of his humility and discipline,” said Balbinder Singh, a jawan.

Near Gole Market, traders and customers couldn’t take their eyes off the TV. But here people had reserved their enthusiasm till AAP made a tangible difference. “Let him do something first. No one can tell now,” said Rohit Agarwal who owns a chole bhatue shop. “Why do you say so? Let’s accept a good-intentioned man wholeheartedly,” chimed in Ajesh Kumar, who works at Lady Hardinge Medical College.

Sheetal Malgar said Kejriwal’s first test is reducing the cost of vegetables, not water or power. “If he makes food affordable to all, he is here to stay.”

Youths were flaunting AAP caps. Imran Samir and Mukesh Sharma, traders at CP, took a stroll before the swearing-in . “We are celebrating but not loudly. Have you noticed how the event did not hit traffic . Kejriwal is an unassuming man,” said Imran Samir.

Vinay Kumar, an ardent AAP fan, was on a joyride with his family. Kejriwal’s poster and the Tricolour attached to his taxi fluttered. “I have been following Kejriwal since Anna Hazare’s campaign. He is a consistent man. It’s a day of celebration so I’m distributing food and water,” he said.

C H Rajaratnam, who is training to be a beautician, said it was a special day because she associates Kejriwal with solutions. She hoped Kejriwal will make Delhi better connected and friendlier to working women.