Opinion: AAP Defeat Is Not A Shock, It's A Consequence Of Arvind Kejriwal's Disconnect From Reality
In the ruthless arena of Indian politics, victory isn’t handed over. It is earned with grit, strategy, and a finger on the public pulse. The outcome of Delhi elections 2025 is not just a triumph for the BJP but an indictment of Arvind Kejriwal’s political myopia.
The writing was on the wall, yet the AAP chose to ignore it, hiding behind hollow rhetoric and a crumbling moral high ground. This defeat is not a shock. It is a consequence of arrogance, mismanagement, and a staggering disconnect from reality.
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The Alleged Liquor Scam
At the heart of the AAP’s downfall lies the alleged liquor policy scam. The policy, shrouded in allegations of favouritism, kickbacks, and questionable tenders, became symbolic of everything the AAP vowed to fight against.
The irony here is thick and unforgiving for a party that rode to power on the back of the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement.
The BJP did not have to create narratives. In fact, Kejriwal handed the saffron party the arsenal on a silver platter. Every time AAP leaders fumbled through press conferences, trying to downplay the scandal, it only fuelled public scepticism. The damage was not just political. It was moral.
Corruption allegations have a peculiar effect — they stick. When trust is broken, especially by a party that claims to be different, the fallout is brutal.
Kejriwal’s Arrogance
Power does not just reveal character, it amplifies it. Kejriwal’s transformation from an activist with ideals to a self-righteous politician was both swift and spectacular. His journey from staging dharnas on Delhi’s streets to dismissing legitimate criticism with disdain is a case study in political hubris.
Kejriwal’s dismissive attitude towards dissent, his penchant for playing the perpetual victim, and his inability to take responsibility turned the AAP into a one-man show — a dangerous proposition in any democracy. The party’s internal democracy eroded, and voices of reason were either sidelined or silenced.
Instead of nurturing a new generation of leaders, he surrounded himself with yes-men, incapable of offering constructive criticism. As a result, Kejriwal did not see the cracks forming beneath his feet until the ground gave way.
BJP’s Ground Game
While the AAP was busy basking in the afterglow of past victories, the BJP was on the ground, listening, mobilising, and strategising. The party’s cadre-driven model, coupled with its ability to connect with grassroot voters, outclassed the AAP. The BJP does not just contest elections; it engineers them, brick by brick, booth by booth.
The strategy of the saffron party involved rigorous ground-level work. The BJP’s local units were active, engaged, and responsive, addressing voter concerns in real-time. Its messaging was clear and consistent — development, nationalism, and zero tolerance for corruption.
In politics, perception is powerful, but connection is invincible. The BJP did not just dominate the narrative. They owned the streets, the booths, and ultimately, the ballot boxes.
AAP’s Identity Crisis
Beyond Kejriwal’s personality cult, what does the AAP stand for today? It is a question the party could not answer, and the voters noticed. Is it an alternative to traditional politics, or just another party chasing power? The confusion was palpable in the AAP’s incoherent campaign, riddled with empty promises and recycled slogans.
In its early days, the AAP had a clear identity — anti-corruption, pro-people, and fiercely independent. Today, it is a shadow of that promise, oscillating between populist gimmicks and opportunistic alliances. Voters are intelligent. They can spot inauthenticity from miles away.
Kejriwal’s over-reliance on short-term populism without a long-term vision created an intellectual vacuum that the BJP filled with ease.
This election was not just a defeat for the AAP. It was a rejection of Kejriwal’s brand of politics — loud on promises, weak on delivery, and deaf to criticism.
The writer is a senior multimedia journalist.
[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.]
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