Counting of votes is underway in Delhi and BJP seems to be getting an edge over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While the exact numbers may vary but the trend seems very clear. If we look at the near-term history, AAP had won 62 seats while BJP got 8. The big question then is what changed in the last 5 years in the BJP Vs AAP equation in Delhi.
Here is a look at the 4 factors that could have led to the potential undoing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi
Tale of unfulfilled promises: AAP fails to deliver on people’s expectation
If we trace the origins of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), it had emerged from Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption initiatives and offered itself as a promising alternative to the people of Delhi Vs the Congress that was seeking its fourth term in Delhi in 2013. It got a second chance in 2015 and once again got the mandate in 2020. In what’s become a trend in its political innings in Delhi, term after term, it came on a slew of promises, freebies. However, the charm of free electricity and water seems to be waring away as is the case with Mohalla Clinics and their ‘hard to identify’ achievements. In these past 10 years, development work in Delhi has also been questioned. The promise of piped water connection to all in 2015 is still unfulfilled as is the promise of ‘full statehood for Delhi’. The fate of the promise of ‘Rozgar Budget’ and the ‘creating 20 lakh jobs’ was no different either.
The Yamuna continues to be polluted despite claims by Kejriwal and air pollution in the city doesn’t show any abatement.
While the political parties are known for not fulfilling the promises but the mandate seems to indicate that the people in Delhi don’t want to test another term perhaps with the same party.
Brand Kejriwal takes a beating
Another peek into history will clearly highlight that AAP right from its infancy has been synonymous with brand Kejriwal. Arvind Kejriwal, was not your average politician to start with. The man who quit his Revenue services job, did not wear the trademark Nehru Jacket and shunned all other usual characteristics of politicians, almost came as an agent of change. The common man identified with his untucked short, his no-nonsense demeanour and offered the much needed alternative to the people of Delhi, desperate for development, change and someone who could take up the challenges.
However the winds of change did set forth but in the wrong direction. The anti-corruption image of Kejriwal and his party was dented with claims about the AAP’s involvement in the Delhi excise Scam and chatters about Kejriwal-led AAP using the ill-gotten money for elections in other states also gained momentum.
The latest salvo was dealt by the key MLAs quitting the party and joining BJP just days before the election over loss of faith along with key Congress leaders voicing their dissatisfaction about AAP being in the INDIA bloc.
Lack of a long-term vision
A key factor that led to the the undoing of Aam Aadmi Party over the years in Delhi is the lack of a long-term vision. Both in terms of the party’s organisation as well as the governance aspect, AAP has had a rather myopic approach. Punjab’s drug menace, giving inti Delhi’s demand over neighbouring states, limited the party’s growth and perception. It is limited to be an Delhi-centric entity that’s been increasing losing its sheen bereft of any definitive ideology or vision. In effect it failed to offer, what the people had been looking for, an alternative politics or something resembling that.
Anti-incumbency factor
The two-term anti-incumbency factor is for real and its no different for the Aam Aadmi Party. As the 2-ter itch started getting stronger, it did not help that AAP tried to woo voters with the same set of promises and approach. The BJP on the other hand has emerged as a significantly revitalised option and the recent shot in the arms of the middle class in the form of a consumption booster of a Budget did play a role in altering the course of the popular mandate.
While all eyes are on the final tally and the exact seat allocation, it goes without saying that AAP is miles away from the initial shine and promise that it represented.