Prashant Kishor, the leader of Jan Suraj Party and noted election strategist, has delivered a clear analysis on the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) surprising defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, attributing its failure to both strategic blunders and broader anti-incumbency sentiments.
During the elections held on February 5, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made remarkable strides, winning 48 of the 70 available seats, ending AAP's 10-year-long reign. AAP fell drastically from its previous success where it won 62 seats in 2020 to only 22 this time.
Kishor highlighted the primary reasons for AAP's loss, emphasizing the factors of anti-incumbency accumulated over ten years. "The first reason for AAP's big loss in Delhi was the 10-year anti-incumbency factor. The second, and perhaps a big mistake by AAP, was Arvind Kejriwal's resignation," Kishor stated during his interview with India Today TV.
One of the most significant criticisms laid out by Kishor revolves around Kejriwal's timing of resignation. Kishor pointed out how Kejriwal should have resigned when he was first arrested concerning the contentious liquor policy case, rather than after securing bail. He elaborated, saying, "Resigning after securing bail and appointing someone else as Chief Minister before the elections proved to be a big strategic mistake." This choice weakened AAP's standing and credibility among voters.
Another significant point of concern raised was Kejriwal's inconsistent political stance. Kishor noted Kejriwal's decisions to join the INDIA bloc initially, only to distance himself from it shortly before the elections. This inconsistency not only confused the electorate but also affected public confidence in AAP's leadership. Kishor remarked, "His fluctuated stance—first aligning with the INDIA bloc and then exiting it—hurt his credibility."
On governance issues, Kishor underscored the hardships faced by residents, mainly those living in jhuggis (slums), particularly during the monsoon season. He argued, "The hardships endured by people, especially those living in jhuggis, highlighted flaws in the administration and significantly weakened Kejriwal's governance model." Such issues amplified the dissatisfaction with AAP's handling of urban difficulties, causing voters to rethink their allegiance.
Despite the defeat, Kishor identified potential within this setback for Kejriwal. "While it will be extremely difficult for AAP to regain political dominance in Delhi, this loss can also be viewed as an opportunity for Kejriwal to shift focus beyond Delhi," he stated. Kishor noted the openings available for AAP to strengthen its presence, especially in states like Gujarat, where the party performed decently during previous elections.
Adding to this critique, Prashant Bhushan, a senior lawyer and former AAP colleague of Kejriwal, reinforced Kishor's analysis by blaming Kejriwal's leadership for AAP’s downfall. Bhushan labeled AAP's recent metamorphosis, once championed as transparent and accountable, as now corrupt. He remarked, "Kejriwal transformed the party which was supposed to be transparent, accountable, and democratic, to a corrupt outfit."
Bhushan was particularly scathing, emphasizing the construction of the extravagant Chief Minister's residence, dubbed the 'sheeshmahal.' He called it out as indicative of Kejriwal's drift from his roots and priorities. "He built a Rs 45 crore sheeshmahal for himself," Bhushan said, criticizing the abandonment of public service principles.
With the dust settling on this electoral debacle, it remains to be seen how AAP and Kejriwal will strategize moving forward. The questions arise on whether Kejriwal can realign himself politically or if he will merely serve as AAP's caretaker as other political landscapes invite scrutiny and attention. The road to regaining the trust of voters and the political foothold is far from secure for AAP, as the changing tide of politics within Delhi and beyond develops.