New Delhi:
When Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal declared the end to his anti-police protest in the heart of the city, he marketed it as "a victory for Delhi" even though his demands were left largely unmet. In fact, the announcement was preceded by hours of negotiations which made it clear that Mr Kejriwal's street politics were, in this case, falling short on dividends.
The large swathes of supporters his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was expecting were missing; the cold and gusty winds were taxing the health of the already unwell chief minister; and union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde was determined not to make any sudden moves. (
Pics)
The strategy came through. Mr Kejriwal called off his signature move - a sit-in - with marginal gains. He had threatened first a 10-day and then an infinite protest if the Home Minister didn't suspend five police officers Mr Kejriwal has accused of negligence. The chief minister also sought the reassignment of the police force to the Delhi government; it is controlled by the union government via the Home Ministry. (
Delhi police file case against Arvind Kejriwal's sit-in)
After 33 hours that left the capital grappling with traffic jams, closed metro stations, and the prospect of inadequate security checks for Sunday's Republic Day parade, this is what Mr Kejriwal won. (
If it's a face-saver, it's one that Delhi gains from: AAP's Ashutosh)
Two of the five police officers targeted by him were asked to proceed on paid leave, and an inquiry against the group was fast-tracked. (
Partial success, but principles more important: AAP)
By 9 am on Tuesday, Home Minister Shinde had been briefed by the Delhi police and the Intelligence Bureau that Mr Kejriwal's protest was drawing a smaller crowd than AAP leaders had expected. Mr Shinde told his officials that he would not suspend the police officers signaled out by Mr Kejriwal. He asked for regular updates.
The Home Ministry then shared its assessment with the union government's representative in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, and asked him to reach out to the leaders of Mr Kejriwal's AAP.
The Lieutenant Governor invited AAP's Yogendra Yadav to lunch and shared that the union government would not sign off on Mr Kejriwal's wish list.
About two hours later, the riot police posted at Mr Kejriwal's sit-in clashed with AAP supporters, who hurled stones and tried to storm through barricades. Appeals by AAP leaders to demonstrate peacefully were ineffectual. With the lurking possibility of more violence, Mr Yadav briefed Mr Kejriwal on his lunch discussion.
The Lieutenant Governor then phoned Mr Kejriwal to emphasize the centre would not yield.
Around 4 pm, Mr Kejriwal called a meeting of AP leaders in the 'AAP-mobile", his blue Wagon-R. They reportedly decided that they needed an exit route from the demonstration.
At 5.30 pm, it was decided that the Lieutenant Governor would provide the eject button with a statement announcing that two policemen were proceeding on leave and promising a swift inquiry.
At 6 pm, AAP leaders met in the Press Club and agreed this was acceptable.
At 7.30 pm, Mr Kejriwal concluded his demonstration. (
Arvind Kejriwal calls-off sit-in that gridlocked Delhi)