What’s subsequent for ‘India’s fastest-growing political startup AAP’ after BJP’s capital acquire?
As soon as touted as “India’s fastest-growing political start-up”, the Aam Aadmi Occasion (AAP) now faces its largest existential disaster in over a decade, following a crushing defeat in its dwelling turf, Delhi.
In Saturday’s election, the Bharatiya Janata Occasion (BJP) wrested management of the nationwide capital, securing 48 out of 70 seats and decreasing AAP to only 22, a lot under its 2020 ballot tally of 62 and the bulk mark of 36. The defeat not solely stripped AAP of political energy but in addition broken its once-unassailable repute that had been constructed on its success in Delhi.
For the AAP, Delhi has all the time been the launchpad—its success story and a key supply of momentum. With key figures like Arvind Kejriwal dropping from New Delhi and different outstanding leaders, together with Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, additionally dealing with setbacks, the celebration now finds itself at a crossroads.
AAP’s governance mannequin falls flat
AAP’s governance mannequin, which targeted on free electrical energy, water, and schooling reforms, did not resonate with many metropolis residents, whereas its try to make a delicate Hindutva attraction—promising month-to-month stipends for temple clergymen—additionally fell flat with the citizens.
Nonetheless, AAP shouldn’t be completely out of the image.
The celebration nonetheless holds energy in Punjab, a state the place it continues to manipulate with a major mandate. It additionally stays a drive in nationwide politics, having been formally acknowledged as a nationwide celebration in April 2023. With 13 parliamentary seats, together with 10 within the Rajya Sabha, AAP nonetheless has a foothold, albeit restricted.
Difficult street forward for AAP
The celebration’s street forward is difficult. Whereas it has expanded past Delhi, notably making strides in Goa, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir, the defeat in Delhi is a serious setback.
Authorized troubles, together with the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal in March 2024 over alleged corruption linked to the excise coverage, added to the turmoil. The jailing of a number of leaders and subsequent injury to AAP’s picture created a robust narrative in opposition to the celebration, as soon as seen as a corruption-free various.
The celebration now faces the duty of rebuilding public belief whereas addressing corruption allegations and clarifying its governance mannequin. Its future success will rely upon whether or not it could increase past its remaining strongholds, notably Punjab, and whether or not it could bounce again from the challenges it now faces.
Because the celebration works to redefine its technique, one query looms massive: Will AAP reclaim its former glory, or fade into political irrelevance? Solely future election assessments will inform.
