Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The high-stakes Delhi Assembly election is underway today, with 70 seats up for grabs in a three-way contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress. This election is particularly crucial for Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, which faces massive corruption allegations linked to the now-scrapped liquor policy.
Key Highlights of the Election:
1️⃣ AAP’s Bid for a Hat-Trick
• Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP has won the last two elections with massive mandates. However, its government is now under scrutiny due to the liquor policy scam and multiple corruption allegations.
2️⃣ BJP’s Aggressive Campaign
• The BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi for over two decades, has launched an intense election campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, banking on its organizational strength and rallies to unseat AAP.
3️⃣ Kejriwal’s Legal Troubles
• Arvind Kejriwal and his top aides, including Manish Sisodia, have spent months in jail over corruption allegations. Mr. Kejriwal had to step down as Chief Minister, handing over charge to Atishi. He has vowed to return only with a “certificate of honesty” from the people.
4️⃣ AAP vs. Lieutenant Governor (LG)
• AAP’s governance has been repeatedly challenged by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) on multiple issues, including control over bureaucrats, despite the Supreme Court ruling in AAP’s favor.
5️⃣ Union Government’s Ordinance on Bureaucrats
• The Centre passed an ordinance, giving the LG control over Delhi’s bureaucrats, limiting the elected government’s authority beyond land, public order, and police.
6️⃣ Impact of Corruption Allegations
• The arrests of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Satyendar Jain, and Amanatullah Khan have been pivotal. AAP, which was founded on an anti-corruption platform, now faces its biggest credibility test.
7️⃣ AAP’s Journey Since 2013
• After forming an alliance government with the Congress in 2013 and resigning in just 48 days, AAP returned with a thumping victory in 2015 after Kejriwal’s public apology.
8️⃣ Delhi Model of Governance
• The AAP’s governance model, focused on education and healthcare, helped it win a second term in 2020 and later expand its footprint to Punjab and other states, earning it the national party status.
9️⃣ PM Modi’s ‘Revdi Culture’ Criticism
• Despite criticism from PM Modi, calling AAP’s welfare schemes “Revdi culture,” the free electricity, water, and healthcare model has been a strong electoral weapon for the party.
🔟 What’s at Stake?
• A loss in Delhi would be a major blow to AAP, especially amid corruption allegations, while a victory would solidify its status as BJP’s biggest challenger in upcoming national politics.
