Delhi Elections: BJP Challenges AAP’s Decade-Long Rule

Delhi Elections: BJP Challenges AAP’s Decade-Long Rule \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Delhi residents began voting Wednesday in a state legislature election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP challenging Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, which has ruled Delhi for over a decade. The AAP, known for its welfare policies and anti-corruption stance, faces a tough contest amid graft allegations. Modi and Kejriwal led vigorous campaigns, with results due Saturday.

Delhi State Elections 2024 – Quick Looks

• Voting begins in Delhi: Millions of residents head to the polls.
• BJP vs. AAP: Modi’s party aims to unseat Kejriwal’s government.
• AAP’s dominance: Won 62 out of 70 seats in 2020 elections.
• Kejriwal’s setback: Faces corruption allegations in liquor policy case.
• BJP’s strategy: Banking on tax cuts and governance promises.
• Election results: To be announced on Saturday.

Deep Look

The Indian capital of New Delhi is witnessing a fierce electoral battle as thousands of voters head to the polls Wednesday to elect a new state legislature. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a determined push to end more than a decade of rule by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal.

The high-stakes election is taking place amid intense political drama, corruption allegations, and strong campaign promises. Modi and Kejriwal, two of India’s most influential political figures, have each mobilized thousands of supporters, holding massive roadshows and rallies across the city.

Delhi, a federal territory with a population exceeding 20 million, has been a political stronghold of AAP since 2013, when Kejriwal first rose to prominence as an anti-corruption activist. However, with Kejriwal facing legal troubles, the BJP sees an opportunity to gain ground in a city it hasn’t won in 27 years.

AAP vs. BJP: The Battle for Delhi

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which won 62 out of 70 seats in a landslide victory in the 2020 Delhi state elections, is facing its toughest challenge yet.

• The AAP government has built its support on pro-poor policies, including free electricity, improved state-run schools, and public healthcare services.
• Kejriwal’s leadership has drawn strong backing from working-class and middle-class voters, making it difficult for the BJP and Congress to gain traction.
• The BJP has struggled in Delhi elections, despite its strong national influence and support base in the capital.
• The Congress party, once a dominant force in Delhi, has been completely wiped out in recent elections.

According to Arati Jerath, a political commentator, the AAP has made Delhi elections a one-sided contest in past years, but this time, the BJP is better positioned to challenge.

Kejriwal’s Corruption Allegations and Legal Troubles

One of the biggest factors affecting AAP’s campaign is the corruption allegations against Kejriwal and his party leaders.

• Kejriwal and several key AAP leaders were arrested in a liquor license scandal that rocked Delhi’s political scene.
• The allegations claim that AAP leaders received bribes from liquor distributors, which Kejriwal has denied, calling it a politically motivated attack.
• The Supreme Court granted bail to Kejriwal and his ministers, allowing them to campaign before elections.
• The scandal has tarnished AAP’s anti-corruption image, a major pillar of its rise to power.

Political analyst Neerja Chowdhury noted that these legal troubles have “dented Kejriwal’s clean image”, potentially impacting voter trust in the party.

Despite the controversy, Kejriwal remains one of the most popular leaders in Delhi, and his campaign has focused on highlighting AAP’s governance record rather than addressing the allegations directly.

BJP’s Strategy: Can Modi’s Popularity Flip Delhi?

The BJP, which formed the national government with coalition partners last year, has struggled to win Delhi state elections since 1998.

However, the party is hoping to capitalize on recent successes, including its victories in state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra.

• Modi’s popularity remains high, and his campaign has emphasized economic growth, infrastructure projects, and governance improvements.
• The BJP is highlighting the recent federal budget, which included income tax cuts for the salaried middle class, a key voter base in Delhi.
• The party has also promised better government schools, healthcare, and welfare schemes, aiming to undercut AAP’s core support base.

According to political analysts, while the BJP’s national brand is strong, its lack of a credible local leader in Delhi has been a major challenge.

Massive Voter Turnout Amid Intense Campaigning

As polling began Wednesday morning, voters braved Delhi’s chilly winter to cast their ballots.

• Manish Sisodia, a key AAP leader, was seen offering prayers in a temple before voting.
• The BJP and AAP both held last-minute campaign rallies, with thousands of supporters waving flags and chanting slogans.
• More than 15 million people are eligible to vote in the election, making it one of India’s largest regional polls.

Voting will conclude later in the day, and the results are set to be announced on Saturday.

Delhi’s Political Landscape: A Historical Perspective

Delhi has seen major political shifts over the past three decades:

• 1998-2013: The Congress party ruled Delhi for 15 years under Sheila Dikshit.
• 2013: Kejriwal’s AAP emerged, winning 28 seats and forming a short-lived government.
• 2015 & 2020: AAP dominated, winning 67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and 62 in 2020.
• BJP’s last victory in Delhi was in 1993, and it has struggled to regain control since then.

With AAP’s strong governance record and BJP’s aggressive campaign, the 2024 election is expected to be one of the closest races in recent history.

What’s Next?

With Delhi’s election drawing to a close, key questions remain:

• Will AAP maintain its stronghold, or will BJP finally break its losing streak?
• How much will corruption allegations impact Kejriwal’s credibility?
• Can Modi’s national popularity translate into a local electoral victory?

As the final votes are counted, all eyes will be on Saturday’s election results, which could reshape Delhi’s political future and influence national politics in India.

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