With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, the political climate has grown increasingly charged as various developments have unfolded leading up to the February 5, 2025 polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, faces serious challenges, including internal strife and external pressures from rival parties.
Recently, Madipur MLA Girish Soni became the latest AAP member to resign, stirring concerns over party unity and strategy. Soni formally tendered his resignation, emphasizing dissatisfaction with the party's direction. He joins at least six other MLAS from AAP who also resigned due to being dropped as candidates for the upcoming elections, signaling deepening discontent within the ranks.
During this tumultuous period, Priyanka Gandhi, Congress MP, has intensified her criticism of both AAP and BJP leaders, describing them as detached from the struggles of common people. "Today AAP leaders are talking about Narendra Modi's 'Rajmahal' and BJP leaders are talking about Kejriwal's 'Sheeshmahal'. Everyone is trying to divert your attention," she declared at a poll rally.
Further fueling the political discourse, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who is also campaigning for the BJP, accused the AAP government of rampant corruption, claiming it reached unprecedented levels under Kejriwal's administration. Thakur insisted, "Arvind Kejriwal has provided AAP leaders with the freedom to loot Delhi. This is why corruption has peaked under the AAP government." His harsh judgement is supported by the BJP's strategy of focusing on AAP’s alleged failures and mismanagement.
The resignation trend among AAP members raises questions about morale and the party’s future, with MLA Madan Lal stating, "We thought about it so many times...party is moving away from its ideologies." Bhupinder Singh Joon echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns over how the party has strayed from its foundational principles, citing the presence of corrupt elements at higher levels.
Meanwhile, the incumbent chief minister Kejriwal remains confident, predicting AAP will once again secure over 60 out of 70 seats. He claims, “If every vote goes to 'jhaadu' (broom, AAP's election symbol) against BJP's hooliganism, we will once again cross 60 seats.” His confidence echoes the party’s previous victories, having won 62 seats in 2020 and 67 seats back in 2015.
The electoral framework is also being shaped significantly by the Yamuna water controversy. Arvind Kejriwal has asserted allegations against the BJP-led Haryana government for compromising the water quality flowing toward Delhi, which he labels as part of a deliberate strategy to tarnish AAP's reputation leading up to the elections. He argued, "If no action is taken against the Haryana government and the BJP leaders involved...it will be amply clear to everyone..." Kejriwal is demanding accountability and chiding the Election Commission for not taking more decisive action against the alleged misconduct.
On the other side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained his attacks on AAP, asserting it is using Delhi as a "political ATM" and stalled its growth during his rally at Dwarka. He urged voters to support the BJP for effective governance, positioning BJP candidates as individuals who could bring responsible change forward, contrasting sharply with AAP’s governance. Modi stated, "AAP has looted Delhi's money and is using it to expand its politics elsewhere."
At the same time, Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit is advocating for public debates with Kejriwal, challenging him to defend AAP’s record amid the growing dissatisfaction. His proposal for these debates exhibits the growing scrutiny of AAP’s claims and initiatives.
Election officials have introduced innovative strategies to improve voter turnout as well, including launching the first-ever app equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor queues at polling booths. Citizens are encouraged to use the app to time their visits to polling stations accordingly—an approach aimed at facilitating greater electoral participation.
With the countdown to polling day now officially begun, the stakes have never been higher for any political party. Poll predictions from platforms such as Phalodi Satta Bazar indicate concerns for the AAP with suggestions of diminished support from voters compared to earlier predictions, adding to the overall tension of the upcoming elections.
The collective pressure mounting around Kejriwal and AAP provides fertile ground for intense political maneuvering as rival parties seek to capitalize on any cracks within AAP’s façade of stability. Both opposition parties are not only criticizing the AAP but also attempting to convince the electorate of their own respective merits as the election approaches.
It remains to be seen how voters will respond to these diverse narratives and what the fate of the AAP will be as it attempts to secure yet another term. The political atmosphere is charged; the outcome will undoubtedly influence Delhi's immediate future and perhaps shape the state of Indian politics overall.