When AAP joined politics, it managed to create a perception that an alternate has emerged, giving people a ray of hope. But gradually it failed to live up to people’s expectations of corruption-free politics and good governance. APP’spassivity during Delhi riots, CAA/NRC movement and farmers protest was severely criticised. APP’s debacle has a lot of lessons for the political parties.
Critics argue that Kejriwal was slow to respond to Delhi riots violence. They say that, in initial days of the riots, his government was more focused on political messaging and trying to maintain a neutral stance rather than intervening decisively to quell the violence. Some even accused him of being passive while the violence escalated, especially when many believed that the Delhi Police was not taking the right measures to stop the violence.
Some pointed to Kejriwal’s failure to adequately address some BJP leaders’ hate speeches in the lead-up to the riots. Critics argue that Kejriwal, as Delhi CM, could have taken stronger action or made stronger statements condemning the inflammatory rhetoric, which is widely believed to have fuelled the violence.
Kejriwal also faced accusations that his government failed to hold law enforcement accountable, with claims that the police did not act impartially during riots. Some felt that his criticism of the police was insufficient, and that his administration didn’t take enough steps to ensure justice for those affected by the violence, particularly from the Muslim community, which bore the brunt of the attacks.
While Kejriwal did oppose the CAA in his individual capacity, critics felt that his official stance as the Chief Minister was not strong enough. Many expected him to take a more vocal position against the law, given the widespread protests in Delhi and across India, where a large number of citizens were concerned about how the law might affect them.
Kejriwal was criticised for not providing a clear and unequivocal statement against the NRC, which was perceived as being potentially discriminatory, especially towards the Muslims. Critics also strongly opposed Kejriwal’s handling of farmers’ protest.
According to Professor Mujibur Rehman, author of Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims, “APP is facing worst crisis of its life today. Kejriwal today is no longer the one in 2013. His image is shattered and middle class has abandoned him. It was apparent during the parliamentary elections where it failed to win a single seat in Delhi despite coalition with Congress. Fortunately, the Congress is not serious in its revival and it has helped him to present number otherwise it would have taken further dip. What lessons it can learn?
“It has only one option which is to go back to people. Its old method of simply attacking BJP may not be very rewarding. With BJP in power in both state and centre,APP’s ability to manoeuvre is very limited. Modi government is not like Dr Manmohan Singh government so protest politics of those days are no option either. So, the party and its leadership are at the crossroads. There is a fair possibility of mass exodus of party leaders and workers which would only deepen its present crisis,” said Rahman.
“The defeat of AAP in the Delhi assembly elections reveals the unstoppable urge of BJP to dominate Indian politics at all levels. It also reveals the severe limitations of Aam Aadmi Party in terms of politics that is devoid of a larger vision,” said Aamir Ali, who teaches at JNU
“There is no doubt that AAP has an appeal as a party which excels in the pragmatics of politics like the improvements in government schools in Delhi and the mohalla clinics. Many of these commendable measures brought relief to the poor and vulnerable. But the great lesson that AAP may have to learn is that pragmatism without a larger vision is futile,” said Ali.
According to Sajid Nomani, who works with anMNC, “AAP’s electoral downfall in Delhi can be attributed to several key factors:
- Corruption Allegations: The party faced serious accusations, particularly regarding irregularities in the liquor policy and the extravagant renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal.’ Although AAP claimed government authorities were responsible, these issues became central to the BJP’s anti-corruption campaign, weakening public trust in AAP’s governance.
- Unfulfilled Promises: AAP’s failure to address major civic issues, including cleaning the Yamuna River, tackling sanitation problems, managing waste, and controlling air pollution, led to voter dissatisfaction. Pollution, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping public sentiment, with over 80% of voters identifying these concerns as critical.
- Leadership Credibility: The defeat of key AAP leaders, including Kejriwal in his own constituency, reflected declining public confidence. Additionally, the loss of several leaders during AAP’s tenure, coupled with corruption perceptions, further damaged the party’s image. A Lokniti-CSDS survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents viewed the AAP government as corrupt.
- Strategic Missteps: The BJP’s well-planned political strategies and consolidation of power further weakened AAP’s position. While AAP’s own failures played a role, the BJP’s aggressive campaign reshaped Delhi’s political landscape.