The stage is set for the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 2025, with major parties ramping up preparations to win voter confidence. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is eyeing its third consecutive term, but faces tough challenges from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress.
BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri made headlines recently by announcing the finalization of the party’s manifesto, known as the "Sankalp Patra," emphasizing the document will embody the aspirations of the citizens. "The Sankalp Patra will be a symbol of people's aspirations," Bidhuri stated, as the BJP gears up for the competitive electoral battle, focusing on major issues plaguing the city.
The BJP’s preparations include intense brainstorming sessions with the RSS, the ideological parent of the party. This week, leaders gathered at BJP headquarters to discuss strategy and improve coordination for the forthcoming elections. Notable figures included BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh and State President Virendra Sachdeva. Discussions focused on replicable strategies from recent state wins, such as those seen in Haryana and Maharashtra.
Despite examples of recent electoral successes, the BJP is facing the challenge of overcoming AAP's established presence and voter goodwill built on social welfare schemes, which the BJP disparagingly labels as "rewari." While AAP touts accomplishments like free electricity, water, and various social programs, the BJP is rapidly pushing back, citing corruption scandals involving key AAP figures.
Accusations against Kejriwal's governance intensified, particularly from senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur. Attributed with coining the evocative slogan, "Ghotale pe Ghotala, Kejriwal ne Banaya Delhi ko Bhrashtachar ki Prayogshala" (Kejriwal turned Delhi to corruption lab with scams), Thakur reflects the BJP's strategy to highlight perceived failures of the AAP government. The BJP emphasizes serious issues such as air pollution, corruption, water supply, sanitation failures, and past campaign promises broken by Kejriwal.
The air quality crisis and the alarm over polluted water sources remain key topics of discussion among voters. Despite AAP's factual presence since 2015, critics argue the administration has yet to deliver effective, long-term solutions to persistent pollution issues, including broken promises related to cleaning the Yamuna River by 2025. This backdrop offers the BJP considerable ammunition against the AAP as it looks to unseat the ruling party.
Arvind Kejriwal, dealing with turmoil engulfing his party from corruption charges directed at him and his aides, offers rebuttals, rejecting BJP criticisms. He claimed, "The AAP government has delivered key promises...law and order under BJP's central government is disarray," painting the opposition as ineffective and dismissive of public needs. Given his recent bail from corruption charges, Kejriwal insists he will honor the people's verdict and reiterated his commitment to providing 24-hour clean water supplies for Delhi.
Congress, historically significant yet currently battling internal strife, appears marginalised among the main competitors. Having undergone several leadership changes, the party is still attempting to stabilize its base, struggling to mount any significant challenge to either AAP or BJP.
With the Delhi Assembly elections several months away, the political rhetoric has heightened, and strategies from both AAP and BJP are becoming clearer. The AAP is leveraging its welfare programs to sway voters, confident of positive reception thanks to previously successful initiatives. Conversely, the BJP is hoping to channel its recent victories to draw voters frustrated with the ruling party’s governance.
Political analysts suggest voter sentiment amid high-stakes issues like corruption, pollution, and effective governance will play pivotal roles in determining the election outcomes. Both parties are acutely aware of the challenges and are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral season. Final candidate nominations and campaign maneuvers will likely intensify as the elections draw nearer, with the stakes higher than ever.
Delhi Assembly elections are poised to be more than just another political contest; they will serve as significant indicators of voter sentiment and party performance leading up to the electoral showdown. With each party outlining its vision, the public will soon determine who meets their expectations and deserves their votes come February 2025.
