EDITORIAL
Dilli dur astCapital mandates governance over rhetoric and divisive politics
AAP retains BJP betters, Congress continues in ICU
SYED WAJID
Saam daam dand bhed...all tactics and strategies the BJP uses in this political slugfest with intent to win Delhi at any cost. Booze and money came into play to woo voters. The news has gone viral talking of maas, madira and money in circulation.
Delhi going to the polls today expects a massive turnout in this triangular electoral battle with its results out on February 8.
It is obviously evident that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is sure to rewrite the history of winning Delhi three times in a row. AAP has already proved measuring itself up to the expectations of the voters in Delhi, nonetheless the count may slip down close to 45. On the other hand, the BJP approximately 22 may saffronise several constituencies across the state of Delhi. While the Congress remains a marginal player, managing to secure only 3 to 5 seats.
Why BJP’s Narrative Failed
The BJP, despite its electoral machinery and aggressive campaign pressing CMs and cabinet ministers into the electoral campaign, will meet its Waterloo and end up with Delhi a distant dream if not smartly manipulated.
So far the BJP has earned notoriety for false narratives and fake promises and miserably failed to address the core issues of the people. Instead of talking about pollution, water supply, education,healthcare, and public transport, the BJP’s campaign was once again centered on Mandir-Masjid politics and Hindu-Muslim hatred narratives, which have repeatedly proven ineffective in the capital.
Delhi voters are urban, politically aware, and performance-oriented. They demand solutions, not diversionary tactics. Nationalist rhetoric and religious polarization, which may work in other states, but do not resonate with Delhi, as Delhiites are more concerned about the cost of living, infrastructure, and civic amenities.
The ‘Freebie’ Hypocrisy
For years, the BJP has criticized AAP’s welfare model, labeling it as “freebies” or “reveri politics”. Yet, in this election, the BJP itself resorted to the same tactics, offering free electricity, subsidized rations, and more welfare schemes. This only highlighted its ideological contradiction—while attacking AAP’s populist policies, it quietly adopted the same approach. The people of Delhi saw through this hypocrisy and preferred to stick with AAP, which has already delivered on many of its promises.
AAP’s Governance Model Prevails
AAP’s victory can be attributed to its focus on governance. The party has successfully created a strong voter base through its work in education, healthcare (Mohalla Clinics), and free utilities (water and electricity). These tangible benefits have ensured that it remains the first choice for the common man. Even though there are criticisms of autocratic decision-making and lack of transparency, voters still see AAP as the lesser evil than BJP and Congress.
Congress: A Party in Free Fall
The Congress continues to be resting on the ventilator for its infighting and weakening cadre with the highest degree of arrogance and hubris hammered into it. Despite a legacy of governance in the capital, it has failed to reinvent itself. With just 3 to 5 seats, it will remain a distant third, reduced to a mere spectator in a battle dominated by AAP and BJP. The party’s leadership crisis and lack of a clear strategy in Delhi have further weakened its position.
The Road Ahead
AAP is all set to celebrate its third consecutive term. The BJP, despite its loss, must introspect and rethink its Delhi strategy, shifting focus from religious rhetoric and jailing AAP leaders to urban governance. The Congress, if it wants to stay relevant, must undergo a serious revival and thorough overhauling.
Delhi’s voters have once again chosen governance over distraction (the reporter has lately surveyed and spoke to voters in different constituencies). If parties want to win in the capital, they must talk about Delhi, not divisive politics.
Gurcharan Singh Raju, ex councillor, contesting on the Congress ticket for Krishna Nagar seat, is a mass leader who has served the people even outside his constituency and is likely to sweep with a landslide this time.
Deepak Singla AAP taking on sitting BJP MLA OP Sharma, may give a tough fight, may even sweep the seat in a neck and neck race.
BB Tyagi from Laxmi Nagar, a strong candidate, will pin down the sitting legislator of BJP Abhay Verma. Avadh Ojha, making his political debut will steal the show. Manish Sisodia is wrestling his opponent to the ground in Jangpura. Former CM Delhi and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal will rout the strong congress veteran and ex MP Sandeep Dikshit in New Delhi, Atishi Marlena is sure to hold her position from Kalkaji.
The Centre government fielded some known faces that may be taking a back seat.
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