In a dramatic downfall, the Aam Aadmi Party, which first tasted power in 2013, has suffered its worst-ever defeat in its 13-year history. This marks the party’s weakest performance across the four assembly elections it has contested in Delhi, party ended up wining only 22 seats, 40 down from last election.
Despite its claims of revolutionary work in education and healthcare, AAP’s stronghold has crumbled. Analysts and political observers are debating the reasons behind this downfall. While some attribute it to the BJP’s growing influence, others believe the Congress played a key role in the outcome. However, a section of experts who have closely followed Kejriwal’s political journey argue that he was ultimately defeated by his own contradictions and actions.
How Kejriwal’s transformation forced him out of Delhi
1. Kejriwal: From Muffler Man to ‘Sheesh Mahal’
When AAP was formed in 2012, Kejriwal was seen as a symbol of honesty, transparency, and simplicity. He traveled in a humble blue WagonR, personified India’s common man, used public transport like the metro and auto-rickshaws, and wore modest clothing, wrapped in his signature muffler. He criticized lavish lifestyles of politicians and promised to live in a small, two-room house if he became Chief Minister. He even distributed affidavits pledging not to use government security or official vehicles.
Over time, Kejriwal abandoned these ideals. Today, he moves in a convoy of high-tech cars, resides in ‘Sheesh Mahal’—allegedly renovated at the cost of crores—and enjoys security from both Delhi and Punjab police. The BJP consistently highlighted these shifts, turning them into major electoral issues. What started as social media chatter soon became a political narrative that crumbling Kejri-wall in Delhi.
2. Kejriwal: Anti-Corruption Crusader to Scam Accused
Once known as a fearless anti-corruption activist, Kejriwal’s image has taken a drastic turn. A decade ago, he was leading movements against corrupt politicians. Today, he himself is embroiled in a liquor policy scam, facing multiple corruption allegations, and has even been jailed while serving as Chief Minister. Several of his ministers have also been imprisoned.
Kejriwal, who once demanded immediate resignations from accused politicians, refused to step down even after his own arrest—until the Supreme Court imposed strict restrictions on him. Apart from the liquor policy scandal, the BJP has also accused his government of financial irregularities in school classroom projects, the panic button scheme, and other areas. The very leader who once issued ‘corruption-free certificates’ to others is now struggling to defend his own credibility.
3. Kejriwal’s Broken Promises
One of the biggest issues raised during the election was Kejriwal’s unfulfilled promise to clean the Yamuna River. In the 2020 election, he boldly declared that he would take a dip in the river before the 2025 elections to prove it had been cleaned. However, pollution levels remained unchanged, forcing Kejriwal to admit failure. The BJP aggressively reminded voters of his statement, urging them to hold him accountable at the ballot box.
4. From “Sab Mile Huye Hain” to Political Alignments
Kejriwal built his political brand on the slogan “Sab mile huye hain ji” (They are all in it together), referring to BJP and Congress as two sides of the same corrupt coin. Initially, he kept equal distance from both parties, branding them as corrupt establishments. However, over time, he softened his stance, especially towards Congress. The same leaders he once accused of corruption were now seen shaking hands and sharing stage space with him. This shift in political alliances further weakened his credibility among voters.