From liquor policy to Seeshmahal, what went wrong for the AAP

What Went Wrong for AAP in Delhi?

Anti-Incumbency Wave Hits AAP

AAP secured landslide victories in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, riding on its promises of development in health, education, and essential services. The party’s initiatives, including power and water subsidies, kept the electorate content, making it difficult for the BJP to gain a foothold in previous elections.

दिल्ली चुनाव के नतीज़ों पर AAP के राष्ट्रीय संयोजक @ArvindKejriwal जी का संदेश pic.twitter.com/BKyCnkSQtc

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 8, 2025

However, after a decade in power, AAP’s inability to deliver on all its promises—particularly in improving air quality—became a sticking point for voters. While the party consistently accused the BJP-led central government of creating roadblocks in its governance, many Delhiites started viewing these claims as mere excuses.

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In contrast, the BJP’s pitch of a ‘double engine government’—with both the Centre and the Delhi government working in tandem—seems to have resonated with voters, as reflected in the election results.

‘Sheeshmahal’ Controversy Haunts Kejriwal

A major blow to AAP’s clean governance image came in the form of the ‘Sheeshmahal’ controversy. The BJP aggressively campaigned against Arvind Kejriwal over the expensive renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence. According to reports, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that while the initial estimate for the renovation was Rs 7.91 crore, the final cost ballooned to Rs 33.66 crore.

While AAP countered these allegations by branding the Prime Minister’s residence as ‘Rajmahal’ and questioning Narendra Modi’s lifestyle, the BJP’s relentless attacks seemed to have struck a chord with voters. Given AAP’s long-standing commitment to clean politics, this controversy significantly dented its credibility.

Liquor Policy Scandal and Leadership Crisis

Another major factor that contributed to AAP’s downfall was the liquor policy scandal, which led to widespread corruption allegations. The BJP accused the Kejriwal government of turning Delhi into a ‘city of drunkards’ with its now-scrapped excise policy, which had introduced ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ liquor schemes.

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AAP continuously denied any wrongdoing, but the issue escalated when central agency probes resulted in the arrests of top party leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. With AAP constantly firefighting corruption allegations and legal battles, the party lost focus on fulfilling its 2020 election promises. The prolonged absence of Kejriwal, who remained in prison for five months, further weakened AAP’s leadership and organizational strength ahead of the elections.

BJP’s Strategic Gains

The BJP, which has historically struggled to break AAP’s dominance in Delhi Assembly elections, made significant inroads this time by capitalizing on these controversies. The party’s well-oiled election machinery, coupled with a strong narrative of governance stability under a ‘double engine’ government, helped it consolidate votes across different demographics.

With the election results unfolding in its favor, the BJP is poised to form the next government in Delhi, marking a significant political shift in the capital. The outcome signals the electorate’s growing disenchantment with AAP’s governance and a shift towards BJP’s promises of stability, development, and strong leadership.

As Delhi braces for a new government, the results serve as a crucial lesson for AAP, which now faces the challenge of regaining public trust and rebuilding its political base after this significant electoral setback.