I am writing this blog post because I am deeply affected by the way power corrupts people. A coalition of intellectuals who waged war against UPA, spearheaded a ‘Anna Jaan Andolan’, and ascended to positions of power. Yet, as the sands of time trickle away, fate completes its cycle, and the very individual who vowed to eradicate wrong doing gets infected by the same virus called corruption. The recent arrest of Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case is not just another news headline; it’s a personal blow to millions of us who fought and created a ‘Anna Andolan’ a decade ago against the corruption of the UPA government.

Birth of Hope

As I rewind the clock a decade ago, millions of Indians affected by numerous corruption cases against the UPA government saw hope in Anna Hazare. With his team of intellectuals, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, a national Anna Andolan against corruption was born. For almost 1-2 months, Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan became the epicenter of the fight against corruption. As a tech engineer in a private company, I found myself drawn to this movement like millions of educated Indians, joining the masses at Ramleela Maidan to support Anna Andolan.

Promise of Change

The memories of those days are still fresh in my mind. We hoped the government would take corrective measures to stop the prevailing corruption. People from well-educated families, corporate workers, students, and more joined the movement. Everyone did their part, whether it was providing food, water, or financial support. I, too, contributed by creating YouTube videos in support of Anna Andolan which are still available on #AskDushyant channel.

Rise to Power

As the andolan concluded, a new political party of intellectuals, AAP, emerged. Their motto resonated with Indians, and they gained significant power in Delhi. Their promise of clean governance and people-centric policies struck a chord with the masses. The initial years of AAP’s rule saw unprecedented reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens. However, as time passed, AAP leaders began exhibiting power dynamics typical of politicians. Many of us noticed a lack of administration and tendencies toward anarchism. What concerned me more was their intolerance of criticism, as if everything they did was unquestionable.

Descent into Corruption

As time went on, it became clear that AAP lacked a vision for India. Their approach shifted to distributing freebies, which contradicted the vision of those who supported Arvind Kejriwal earlier. What struck me to my core was the sight of alcohol shops mushrooming across Delhi like wildflowers including metro station. The allure of irresistible deals, such as the infamous ‘One Plus One’ offers, only served to deepen the abyss of moral degradation engulfing the city. What taught as a well-intentioned initiative to boost revenue soon devolved into a cesspool of corruption, with prominent leaders implicated in a web of deceit and malfeasance.

Fall from Grace

The final blow came with CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest on serious charges of money laundering. The whole saga is now available online for everyone to see. But for me, it’s a personal revelation of how power corrupts individuals. When deprived of power, one craves it, but once obtained, corruption creeps in. The hope we invested in leaders like Arvind Kejriwal has turned into disillusionment, leaving us questioning the very essence of fighting against corruption.

As I reflect on the journey from hope to disillusionment, the haunting truth of the timeless adage reverberates within me – power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The saga of Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party stands as a stark testament to this chilling reality, serving as a cautionary tale echoing through the annals of history that power, left unchecked, can transform even the noblest of intentions into a harrowing descent into moral decay.

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