By Sushil Kutty
As the Delhi assembly elections approach, pre-poll preparations are in full swing, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leading the charge. Notably, Delhi’s social media influencers and YouTubers appear undeterred by recent political events, including the Maharashtra assembly elections and the contentious Winter Session of Parliament. This situation provides a prime opportunity for AAP convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to display his electoral strategies, especially after his recent experiences in Tihar Jail.
The leadership dynamic has shifted with Atishi, a loyal aide to Kejriwal, now taking on the Chief Minister role. This unexpected transition has cast a shadow over Kejriwal’s legacy, which now includes the stigma of imprisonment at Tihar, during which his wife, Sunitha, briefly tasted political power. However, her term ended as Kejriwal secured bail and returned to the life of a politician.
With his return, Kejriwal has reclaimed his authority within AAP, refusing to be overshadowed by Atishi, who abandoned her surname ‘Marlena’ upon becoming CM. It is evident that Kejriwal remains the central figure in AAP, maintaining a tight grip on leadership and strategy as they gear up for the elections.
Interestingly, Kejriwal doesn’t plan to reinvent himself or AAP for this election cycle. The party continues to rely on promises of “freebies” and support for auto drivers as key components of their campaign. If AAP secures another decisive victory, many auto drivers would benefit significantly, including a promise of Rs 1 lakh for weddings of eligible daughters and Rs 10 lakh in life insurance—sum that could take two decades for many auto drivers to save.
Since his incarceration related to the Delhi liquor excise controversy, Kejriwal’s reliance on these “freebies” seems to have intensified. A successful election could potentially lead to the dismissal of the charges against him and AAP, making voters hopeful that past mistakes may have been forgotten.
The final list of AAP candidates announced recently includes Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi, both returning to familiar constituencies—Kejriwal in New Delhi and Atishi in Kalkaji. However, Manish Sisodia, once Deputy Chief Minister, has migrated to the Jungpura assembly constituency, where voter sentiment towards him is notably unfavorable after his time as an education minister.
Meanwhile, the Congress party, which has struggled to make an impact, is fielding Sandeep Dikshit, the son of the late Sheila Dikshit, in New Delhi. It’s understood that the BJP will not settle for an easy opponent, maintaining competitive stakes against Kejriwal, who faces challenges from both a ‘jailbird’ label and the electorate’s evolving sentiments. However, Kejriwal possesses the charisma that his supporters gravitate towards.
His ascension to power wasn’t solely based on charm; it was driven by visible activism, such as his protests and criticism of Modi. Kejriwal has openly challenged the Prime Minister, displaying a vigorous ambition to reclaim leadership in Delhi. Speculations abound about a potential narrative surrounding his experiences in Tihar, yet it remains a quiet topic, perhaps because of the disarray that followed his release.
Kejriwal’s strategy of offering freebies reflects his understanding of his voter demographics. He is well aware of the needs of both women and male constituents, each looking for various incentives. As election-related fervor mounts, there lurks a nostalgia for better days, hinting that if liquor tarnished Kejriwal’s image, it also possesses potential to reignite his political journey.
It’s crucial not to underestimate the recurring themes in politics. Kejriwal continues to attract attention and commands leadership within AAP. The ticket distribution process went smoothly—no disputes arose, and the prominent challengers stepped aside, leaving Kejriwal unopposed at the helm.
Saurabh Bharadwaj will contend from Greater Kailash, and another close associate, Gopal Rai, will campaign in Babarpur, while Sisodia will take on the Jangpura constituency. Despite facing a significant anti-incumbency sentiment, there has been a clear declaration to avoid alliances with Congress, indicating that AAP will fight on its strength alone.
AAP’s candidate list reflects a commitment to independence, with familiar names such as Satyendra Jain and Durgesh Pathak also making appearances. Kejriwal confronts an arduous campaign in New Delhi, a constituency heavily populated with educated voters whose memories of past controversies remain sharp.
Following the release of the final candidate list, Kejriwal took to social media to criticize the BJP’s lack of strategy and vision for Delhi, suggesting they are solely focused on ousting him.
However, he must remain vigilant. Voters now have the capacity to evaluate both his achievements and shortcomings. The inclusion of candidates like Amanatullah Khan from Okhla might secure a seat for AAP, yet his past could provoke backlash, particularly in areas where alleged illegal immigration is a contentious issue.
Current police initiatives targeting illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators highlight the ongoing volatility. This crackdown, ordered by the central government, serves as a potential advantage for the BJP’s electoral narrative, especially following their disappointing performance in Jharkhand.
Once the elections conclude, the BJP and Lt. Governor may abandon this agenda, but for now, many unregistered individuals in Delhi face scrutiny as authorities verify their identities and histories.
AAP, represented by Kejriwal and Khan, stands firm against these controversies, even lodging complaints with the Election Commission regarding BJP’s alleged attempts to alter the voter list.
In a bid to maintain his base, Kejriwal promises residents monthly financial aid post-election, increasing incentives for women affected by inflation. “Start registering immediately… The revised amount will offer substantial support for the women of Delhi,” he announced, reaffirming his position as the proponent of welfare programs.
