PR suggestions for Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal won a thumping majority in Delhi elections to become Delhi's chief minister for the second time. This was a new life in politics for Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after the fiasco of fighting national elections without proving his credentials in the state. He had actually resigned within 49 days of taking charge as chief minister in 2013, setting tongues wagging and trust dwindling. Understandably, he and other candidates from his party lost.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged his mistake and came back stronger in Delhi. On both occasions, Kejriwal's public relations strategy worked well. However, as was seen in 2013 things turn awry for the party immediately after coming to power, mostly by its own doing. This time also Kejriwal and his party members are in news for reasons that could have been controlled by adopting a good PR strategy. But, perhaps, Kejriwal and his colleagues forget the very basics in PR -- that is to communicate better to outside publics as well as inside publics.

For starters, long term existence of Aam Aadmi Party has become doubtful after a controversial dismissal of its founding members Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav from the party's political affairs committee for their "anti-party actions". They also face expulsion in the forthcoming meeting of national council later this month. There are reports that AAP volunteers, who were the hero of Delhi Elections 2015, have divided into two factions -- one supporting expulsion and the other against it.

Whether or not Bhushan and Yadav are expelled from the party, the episode has raised doubts about Kejriwal's ability of managing a party, leave aside government. Just to mention, Kejriwal is yet to announce a roadmap to fulfill many of the promises he made to people of Delhi before elections, and this is not going down well with an impatient electorate.

It is interesting to note that Kejriwal succeed in public relations before the elections but fails considerably once he assumes charge. In the light of the foregoing, public relations can indeed help the beleaguered Kejriwal in sustaining a positive public opinion. Following tips could help:

1. Stop the ripple effect before it starts: Insiders can be a strength as well as a weakness. The return of the party to power in Delhi is an indication of the strength of insiders. It is the responsibility of the national convener to nurture this strength. If there are dissenting voices, he should find a middle ground before the ripple effect starts and the strength turns into weakness.

2. Bring in a constitution: Constitution is a set of norms that everyone has to abide by in all circumstances. This would streamline operations of the party and save Kejriwal considerable time to focus on working for the people of Delhi who have great expectations from Kejriwal.

3. Do not offer to resign: Resigning is easy but reconciling is challenging. He should take up the challenge and shun the temptation to resign. People will resign on you if you don't trust your abilities. Period.

4. Stop being an Aam Aadmi: Kejriwal should stop being impulsive. He should think over his actions and act strategically considering the fact that in politics an action has many reactions. An aam aadmi can afford to act in the moment, not a statesman.

5. Don't be afraid of criticism: Resigning is a sign of weakness. It sends a message to the public that the person does not want the negatives that come with a position. Kejriwal has to act for the people of Delhi without the fear of being criticised for his actions. For, fear of criticism takes away the fun of working.