But for giving publicity to Kejriwal, Odd-Even is good for nothing

As expected, the aura around Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's flagship programme Odd-Even formula seems to be vanishing into thin air. Nothing seems to be going right with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the capital regarding the road rationing scheme. Its first phase, which was implemented in the first half of January, had created doubts about its success.

The fourth day of the second phase leads one to believe that instead of cutting down pollution level or reducing traffic congestion, the Odd-Even formula has more to do with Kejriwal's publicity and hogging media attention worldwide and these are the reasons why:

1. No relief on congestion front

The commuters from Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) have mostly ignored the road rationing scheme's phase two on its crucial first working day. It has been perhaps for the first time that Delhi/NCR witnessed such congestion during Odd-Even days, including the 15 days of the first phase in January. In fact, the rush was heavier and traffic movement was slower than even a normal day. By this standard, the second phase of the scheme has failed the acid test on its first crucial day itself.

More and more, people are now deliberately flouting the rule, giving an impression that they have got fed up with the scheme and are rejecting it. The scheme is weighed heavily in favour of the rich who own or can afford to own two or more cars of both odd and even numbers. It also bolsters the auto, taxi and app-based cab operators who charge exorbitantly from the commuters. Otherwise, the remaining section of the society is highly inconvenienced. Protesting the high amount of fine and Kejriwal's penchant for deriving political mileage out of it, BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel broke it on April 18. He was fined Rs 2,000 for not complying with the scheme.

2. No proof of reduction in pollution levels

Questions have been raised over the success of Odd-Even's first phase. The main purpose of the scheme was to reduce pollution. Decongestion was only was only a byproduct. However, doubts have been aired by several agencies over the reduction of pollution levels during the 15-day scheme in January. Even the AAP government has not yet given a convincing proof in this regard either. In such a situation, the scheme has failed to fulfil the main purpose for which it is being implemented.

3. Non-cooperation by auto and taxi operators

The Delhi government had got full support from the auto and taxi operators - one of the main votebanks of Kejriwal - and also the app-based cab services during the pilot project in January. However, none of them appear to be extending cooperation in the second phase. The auto and taxi walas had threatened to go on strike on April 18 demanding that app-based services be stopped from operating and the fare be revised. The app-based services like Ola and Uber were accused of arbitrariness. The auto and taxi operators gave some anxious moments to the government and commuters. They withdrew their threat only after getting an assurance from Kejriwal and Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai of taking action against the app-based cab services and revision of fare.

Recd some complaints against Ola/Uber. Govt planning strong action against them. Will announce it soon. https://t.co/8N1teCpo9k

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 17, 2016

Strict action, incl permit cancellation n impounding vehicle, to be taken against taxis which charge rates more than govt prescribed rates

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 18, 2016

4. Kejriwal's publicity drive

The above points bring us to the main point - that Kejriwal is using the scheme to bolster his own image nationally and even globally. That the Delhi chief minister is publicity-hungry is now an accepted fact. When the Union ministers, chief ministers and state ministers were banned by the Supreme Court from appearing in advertisements released by the government, Kejriwal had flouted it by still appearing in them, during the first phase of the Odd-Even scheme, but hiding his face. And when the ban was lifted lasted, he was the only chief minister to release full page ads in newspapers and appear on television.

In his advertisements too, Kejriwal's focus has been on the attention which the scheme got globally. He does not emphasise on the impact on pollution levels.While majority of the people had acquiesced during the first phase, their response has not been very encouraging this time around. The people perhaps are slowly and gradually understanding the real intention of the Kejriwal government - to hog limelight. And, hence, they are not so forthcoming as they were during the pilot project.