AAP faces humiliation in recently concluded State Assembly polls; loses all seats and trails behind NOTA

The recently concluded State Assembly Elections in the four states exposed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) threadbare, and all its claims fell flat on its face as it failed to get a single seat in any of the states. Moreover, the party got fewer votes as compared to “None of the Above” (NOTA) option.

This trend is consistent with AAP’s electoral struggles outside Delhi, except for Punjab, where it emerged victorious in 2022, and Gujarat and Goa, where it made some inroads. Despite the electoral setback, AAP contends that these results don’t accurately reflect the national sentiment for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The party congratulated the BJP on its victories in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, as well as the Congress for a “spectacular win” in Telangana.

AAP remains optimistic about its future trajectory and has affirmed that these electoral outcomes are not indicative of its overall strength and popularity across the country. The party plans to determine its next steps after the INDIA bloc’s meeting scheduled for December 6.

Accepting the Verdict of the Voters

In an official statement, AAP expressed its acceptance of the people’s will while emphasising its hopes that the BJP will fulfill promises, particularly in providing homes under the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Awas Yojana and ensuring affordable LPG cylinders at Rs 450. The party urged for the extension of cheaper LPG to the entire nation, not just the three states.

Regarding its own electoral performance, AAP characterised itself as being in the “formative stages” and participating in these state elections to ensure its message reaches a larger audience. The party drew parallels with the BJP’s challenges in the Karnataka election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unsuccessful campaign in Andhra Pradesh, emphasising that such setbacks do not necessarily impact the overall vote share.

An AAP insider acknowledged the party’s status as a relatively young and growing political entity, noting that making inroads into new states takes time. The party leader compared AAP’s evolving presence with that of the long-established Congress, suggesting that growth and electoral success cannot be immediate but are part of a gradual process.

Congress Underperformance and INDIA Alliance Dynamics

AAP’s analysis of the Congress’s underperformance in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh includes the observation that the Congress may now have reduced clout in determining seat-sharing formulas within the INDIA alliance. The party speculated that had the Congress secured victories in these states, it would have been in a stronger position to dictate terms, but now it may need to listen to its allies and reach a consensus.

A party insider attributed the Congress’s overconfidence as a contributing factor to its defeat, emphasising the potential impact on seat-sharing dynamics not only in Delhi and Punjab but also in other states.

Historical Significance of AAP and Now Decline Owing To Involvement in Corrupt Practices 

AAP’s rise a decade ago marked a significant shift in Indian politics. Hailed as a breath of fresh air, the party garnered support from diverse sections of society, ranging from middle-class professionals to marginalised communities. It successfully positioned itself as a credible alternative to traditional political practises. However, recent events have witnessed a decline in AAP’s fortunes, raising questions about the party’s survival.

The recent episode involving Arvind Kejriwal being implicated in an alleged liquor scam has fueled the party’s internal turmoil. AAP, once known for its diverse support base, is now grappling with internal strife and the potential fallout of losing key leaders to corruption charges. The party’s leadership, including Kejriwal, faces accusations, and the looming spectre of an Enforcement Directorate investigation adds to AAP’s woes.

Erosion of Support and Image Damage

AAP’s image, built on promises of transparency and anti-corruption, is now tainted. While the party claims to be a victim of political vendetta orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the smoke surrounding the alleged liquor case is hard to ignore. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of former deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s bail plea further adds weight to the allegations. AAP’s support base is grappling with disillusionment, questioning the party’s commitment to its founding principles.