It was not a “strategic or political mistake” of resigning after getting the bail and not while in jail. Rather it was a collapse of the so-called brand that emerged out of a movement against corruption. It was utter arrogance to think that people who are getting free electricity and water will simply ignore corruption charges which are already vetted by the Court. This arrogance emerged with over-confidence that ignored the alliance with Congress. However, Congress has increased its vote share by more than two per cent which has also proved costly to Kejriwal. For Delhi, two per cent difference in Congress vote share adding to ten per cent direct loss to AAP compared to 2020 election has resulted into the downfall of this party that landed now at 43.5 per cent whereas it has crossed 53 per cent vote share in the 2020 Assembly election.
Unfinished Agenda
However, it is still an unfinished agenda for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The difference between BJP and AAP is 1.99 per cent only and it is considerably good when looking at the difference between NDA and AAP that is 3.58 per cent precisely. So, the dent in AAP has not fully come to BJP and it has distributed among NDA, Congress and others. BJP’s own vote share increase from 38.51 per cent in 2020 to 45.56 per cent in 2025 is only seven per cent though it had the opportunity to get ten per cent or more from AAP.
Woo New Support Base
When looking at the contribution of the Prime Minister’s own rallies and his own guarantee (Modi ki Guarantee), it is very clear that the BJP’s State unit has still to do much more to consolidate its own support and make a new support base which has gone to AAP. This result has shown a dent to AAP but not yet blown to this party, which is needed to ensure absence of theatrical drama in politics of capital and wiping out the anarchist ideological politics.
Faith in PM’s Words & Action
Ten years of bad governance and anti-incumbency are added this time with at least five more factors. Most importantly, in the last three-two days, tax exemption up to twelve lakh had played a great role backed by good personal level involvement of the Prime Minister. People have started comparing the promises of AAP with Modi Ki Guarantee. Obviously, the guarantee given by the Prime Minister has overpowered everything. In addition to these two factors, the support base of Baniya community which was not enthusiastic for BJP in 2020 due to GST, has now returned to BJP, it’s like Ghar Wapsi for them. The fourth factor was oblivious, much seen this time in the management of election by the party, specifically the campaigns by Poorvanchal and Uttarakhand leaders, in some cases, door to door campaigns by this regions’ leaders in the constituencies. Finally, the decision taken by Kejriwal not resigning from Chief Minister’s post and trying to officiate all works as a CM while in jail has tarnished his image fully and that sort of image cannot be succeeded when Prime Minister, Modi himself started head on.
Now the challenges are hinged upon BJP and it should not wait for Kejriwal to commit further mistakes to be collapsed down rather it should start thinking how to consolidate the support base and making new support base in lower classes. Kejriwal may do mistakes by paying attention or doing experiments in Punjab or try his luck in other states like UP and Bihar. Being an ambitious leader, Kejriwal may again try to expand his party outside Delhi. He may still be trying to become a national leader in I.N.D.I. Alliance. These factors will help BJP to capture the entire political space of Delhi but the party should try to achieve it on its own through the performances for which people have given the mandate. Overall, this is a great opportunity for BJP to get Delhi fully back to its fold for longer period of time.
Fulfill All Promises
After this result, BJP has a major task to embark upon not only a widely (politically) acceptable leader but also a performing leader with strong and quick decision-making power. It is a greater challenge to fulfill all promises balancing with top level of infrastructure developments. Cleaning Yamuna, implementation of Ayushman Bharat, granting Rs 2,500 to women, continuation of free water and electricity, resuming pensions for seniors, 1300 e-Buses, resolving pollution, Rs. 65,000 crore for highways around Delhi, insurance support to auto, taxi and e-rickshaw drivers, Atal canteen and many more things have to be done for keeping the watch in fiscal deficit and financial prudence.
Hopefully with the support of Central Govt., the new CM and the cabinet will deliver all and the successful performance will usher the new political trend. Whether it may cause the absence or the revamp of Aam Aadmi Party that is yet to be churned out.
