Ajith Vijay Kumar The emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party as a potent force in the fluid firmament of Indian politics has come at a time when the new 21st century India is eager to juxtapose its relevance with what has been `system` since Independence in 1947. India was astounded out of its surrender to `laws of the land`, which bred overarching unbridled corruption, when a motley yet determined group of activists led by 45-year-old Arvind Kejriwal captured power in Delhi durbaar. It was an event of tectonic intensity that sent tremors all through the system. Change had arrived. "If we think that we can provide good governance in the present system, that`s not possible. The system will soon overpower us and we will get sucked into it. So, we will have to change the system completely and for that our solution is Swaraj," Kejriwal said after victory. AAP`s Swaraj – allowing citizens to legislate and govern themselves - found resonance in the hearts of all aam aadmis, along with the promise that a paradigm shift is achievable. Undoubtedly, the AAP promise was a hope that had germinated in the hearts of a young India that believed in the power of participative democracy to create economic prosperity, jobs, security and most importantly, the opportunity to be able to challenge the limits of excellence without being bogged down by favouritism towards a select few. No corruption, no lal battis, approachable and accountable politicians and transparency; the AAP had its finger on the pulse of the nation. Hogged by TV cameras, `Anna Hazare`s close aide Arvind Kejirwal` came into his own with newspapers referring to him as `Arvind Kejriwal`, then as `Kejriwal` and finally `Kejri` – the AAP was lead material. And rightly so. Given his resolute battle against the odds to emerge as a credible alternative to prevalent political narrative in the country. The challenger had arrived. Having chosen to form government in Delhi, Kejriwal got the chance to prove that it can implement the change it propounded. The country waited with positive anticipation for the battle to begin against system. Kejriwal was expected to shed his revolution garb and get to governance. But then something snapped. The Kejriwal government in its eagerness to break existing notions on governance, began testing the limits of the rule of law. With beliefs rooted in the old Left and socialism, the AAP embarked on a journey peppered with frequent run-ins with the order, threats and dares. “Sab Chor Hain” became the war cry. The revolutionary genesis of AAP that was toasted by the nation turned out to be its biggest undoing. A chief minister, democratically elected through the system he loathed, slept on the streets and threatened to disrupt Republic Day parade, all because he wanted action against some junior police officers. Suspension of cops became a bigger issue than a solemn day that brings the contribution of the unsung soldier to the collective consciousness of the country. The revolution became bigger than its stated objective. The challenge within, had begun. While Delhi waited for the change they had voted for, AAP think-tank had bigger plans and their destination was Parliament. They thought it more prudent to spread out, spread thin before consolidating their gains in Delhi. After 49-days and a slew of sops, Kejriwal quit over the Lokpal Bill and hit the road again. The AAP idea was pushed to the periphery as the party turned obsessively confident of slaying Goliaths with one swoosh of their weapon, the `jhaadu`. The opposition may have dismissed the broom but they have taken note of the power – disillusionment against the system – that imparted the broom its momentum. India wants change and India can`t wait. While it remains to be seen whether India will trust AAP with its vote for change, Arvind Kejriwal does pack a potent punch as he readies the party for the summer duel. The power of the idea that brought AAP this far, can also take it through the gates of Parliament. However, the real task facing Arvind Kejriwal is to navigate the challenge within. It is not so much about whether the AAP can do it as it is about the way it goes about achieving its goal. The AAP has been nurtured to emerge as different from the conventional norms. The AAP is expected to be fair, AAP should be incorruptible, AAP should give voice to the aam aadmi. But going by the manner in which the party is floundering in its endeavour to remain `different` and the growing rebellion within its ranks, Arvind Kejriwal faces the risk of losing support before it reached critical mass. Now Kejriwal has positioned himself on the battle front against Narendra Modi in Varanasi and the holy city will chose a winner. What is more important is that Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP should realise the historic import of their challenge. And it`s time they stop painting everyone with a black brush and better look within. For the nation, Arvind Kejriwal represented the hope for change; now it`s for him to show up for his part of the deal. India will vote – vote decisively. The nation will make its choice clear. Can the broom challenge the lotus and the hand? May 16...