Kya Karnataka Aap Ko Apnayega?

After all the nataka in Karnataka, the race for the throne in the state continues

- Vinay Madhav

After successfully capturing Delhi and Punjab, Aam Admi Party (AAP) has set its dreams down south, targeting Karnataka. A welcome move at a time when Karnataka has gained notoriety as one of the worst administered and corrupt States in the country, leaving behind traditionally notorious states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

AAP and its supremo Arvind Kejriwal seems to be gaining popularity in Karnataka among educated urban people, who are considered to be elite intellectuals. There is a burden on Kejriwal to take his message and mission to masses to make an impact in Karnataka

However, the million-dollar question is whether Kejriwal is making the right moves to find a way into Karnataka rural masses? Secondly, does Karnataka have a political space for another force?

Delhi, which was a Union Territory turned State had tried two political parties - both Congress and BJP. There was a political vacuum for the City State, where the administration was similar to a city municipality. Successive governments had failed to provide basic amenities to common people, forcing them to think of a third force.

However, Punjab was a different ball game altogether. After 1983 anti-Sikh riots, the state had developed anti-Congress sentiments. It had to try various factions of Akali movement and later give chance for Akali and Nationalistic BJP alliance also. When the administration went from bad to worse, leaving the entire youths under clutches of drug mafia, the people looked back towards Congress. However, feuding factions within Congress, Akali movement falling in grip of family opened up avenue for new platform in the form of AAP.

At the moment, Karnataka is also undergoing a similar situation. Drug mafia has almost penetrated into the system. Though the police are concentrating only on African Nationals behind drug supplies net, there are other groups operating from neighboring Goa, Maharashtra and Kerala.