Sources close to Congress leadership say the protest had provided the first genuine opportunity to corner the Delhi CM. Timing and demands of the agitation could not cut much ice with public.
Kejriwal’s outbursts and language lacking elegance drew criticism from media and the educated middle class alike within 24 hours of the agitation. The CM was fast losing control over the protesters. Despite his best efforts, the plucky anti-graft crusader failed to muster enough support from people who perceived the issues as local rather than ‘political’. The chilling winter added to his woes.
When everything was going wrong, Kejriwal’s threat to jam pack the Rajpath with his supporters did not go down well with the masses. The countrymen felt such a step on eve of the Republic Day would send a wrong message and dent India’s image. It coincided with resistance from BJP and Congress.
Kejriwal was seemingly at his weakest ever since he hogged limelight. He appeared to have been pinned down, and was desperate for a face saver. That was when he was offered a lifeline in the escape route which he grabbed with both hands. What could be termed a face saver at best, the clever CM outwitted his rivals and projected it as ‘victory’.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala might praise it on record. But the mood in the party is not the same. They could have handled it better.
