Common Delhi policemen approve AAP's 'Aam Aadmi' government

The man in khaki confessed with a secretive smile: "I supported them even during the Anna Hazare movement which started all this," he says, leaning against a barricade and pointing towards the sea of white caps wobbling in the air on the other side.

The middle-aged constable posted at the Ramlila Maidan still remembers the tension between the protesting crowd and the police in the early days of the anti-corruption movement for the Jan Lokpal Bill, then led by Arvind Kejriwal the activist who was sworn in as chief minister a few minutes earlier.

"More than any section of the society, it is the average policeman of Delhi who supports the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Arvind Kejriwal. Our life has become miserable due to departmental corruption. This is the best thing that could happen," he said on condition of anonymity. Random interviews with 15 policemen posted at the venue showed that every one was supportive of the new party. Some of these constables had to lathi-charge supporters of the anticorruption movement on orders before the Delhi elections were held. But all the 15 men revealed that they had voted for the AAP.

The Delhi police reports to the union home ministry. Most of the policemen said they felt that roughly a third of the people in the department were corrupt.

But this minority group was in charge of postings, transfers as "money flowed all the way to the top officials who enjoyed proximity with corrupt politicians." "Today, we have to work for 16 hours a day. It is taking a toll on us and many policemen are dying prematurely. And this is happening because the system is not in place. The honest ones are given unimportant postings and sidelined. Our only hope is Kejriwal," said a policemen who was particularly enthusiastic about an anti-corruption helpline announced by the chief minister.

These constables and head constables pointed out that a significant number of people who live in police colonies have voted for AAP. "Most of the children in our police colony are AAP supporters. Kejriwal has infused the youth with a sense of purpose," said a constable, pointing out that the crowd had set an example by leaving and entering the premises peacefully.

Outside the stadium, Brahm Dutt and Sagar, 11th standard students from Vardhaman Shiksha Mandir, stood atop a traffic island shouting "Vande Mataram" as a huge crowd gathered. "We are participating in this movement today because we know that in this corrupt system it will be difficult for us to get jobs without paying a bribe," said Dutt.

Home-maker Sumanlatha came to the venue by herself. She said the financial burden on account of inflation had stolen happiness from the family. "Life has become sheer drudgery. This has also taken its toll on us as a family as we are both under extreme stress now. That is why I decided to support AAP." Hari Bhajan Pandey, a security supervisor, said he used to admonish his father for watching news which talked about corruption and did nothing about it. "But since I saw Kejriwal, I watch news. I have come here to lend support to AAP," he said.

Whether it is a housewife or a policeman, a student or a college professor, a rickshaw puller,a bus drive or a Kingfisher employee, have all become supporters of AAP. Even BJP and Congress supporters are leaving their parties in droves to join AAP.

Why?

Because he brings hope to the Common Man or Aam Aadmi (called Mango People by Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law, Robert Vadra).He has been burdened with ever increasing inflation because of corruption.

He has raised very high hopes among the people.

We all pray to God for his long life and good health for we know his intentions are noble and God willing he will come out strong in fulfilling the people's aspirations