Cricketer turned politician Imran Khan is on the verge of becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan. His win is now compared to the rise of Arvind Kejriwal, the present chief minister of Delhi.
Corruption is a very contemporary issue, rather a political game changer in most third world South Asian countries. Prior to General Election in Pakistan, there was strong public sentiment against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was caught on another side of the law with Panama Papers.
Even Bilawal Bhutto, son of Mr 10% Zardari, had to face questions regarding his father. All this basically helped Imran Khan, the so-called crusader of Pakistani politics, to win the election, albeit rigged and now he is the Supremo one of Pakistan with the help of Pakistan Military.
Anyhow, some political observers have already compared Imran Khan with Arvind Kejriwal. But is it true or justice to the political reality of the two polarized personalities?
Chairman Imran Khan meeting Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi of Aam Admi Party pic.twitter.com/1TTlr0ZKwK
— PTI Lahore Official (@PTIOfficialLHR) March 20, 2016
There is indeed a huge difference between Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Imran Khan, the former Pakistan Cricket Captain singlehandedly formed PTI and it became a national party after years of hard work and humiliation and struggle.
The case of Arvind Kejriwal is different as he literally hijacked Anna Hazare’s Lokpal Movement and still now AAP is limited to only a few states other than Delhi.
Prime Minister Imran Minister and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have one thing in common – they are both dictators of some level and use a public sentiment with populist measures.
Ideologically both of them look opportunistic. AAP has gradually become B Team of Congress whereas PTI is a party which is closely associated with the Pakistan Military and a Taliban sympathizer.
When PTI formed the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it followed AAP path with initiatives in health and education sectors. But Imran Khan has evolved much more than he was in 1992. From being Jinnah sort of personality he has adjusted himself to the Pakistan reality.
Afterall, it is not at all possible to end the supremacy of parties like PPP and PMLN. Credit goes to Imran Khan for making it possible whereas Arvind Kejriwal has become just another regional satrap.
But one thing, Arvind Kejriwal hasn’t got direct from any establishment like the Army. Thus in no way, the political trajectory of Imran Khan can be compared with muffle babu Arvind Kejriwal.
