Delhi Election – Intense Battle Between BJP and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
With the Delhi Assembly elections set to take place in February 2024, there is an increasing political frenzy, as intense competition is expected between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP has been in power in Delhi for the past 10 years, and the BJP is determined to topple AAP’s leadership, particularly targeting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with several political strategies.
1. BJP’s Internal Survey:
The BJP has conducted an internal survey, and several key findings from the survey have been shared. The BJP aims to defeat AAP in this election, and the survey results indicate that:
- AAP currently holds an advantageous position in 40 constituencies in Delhi.
- BJP has a favorable position in 30 constituencies.
- Compared to past elections, BJP is optimistic about making gains in both vote share and constituencies in this election.
BJP believes that it can build on this momentum and expects better results in terms of seat count than in previous elections.
2. Allegations of Corruption Against Kejriwal:
A significant part of the BJP’s campaign involves attacking Arvind Kejriwal on charges of corruption. BJP has accused him of living an extravagant lifestyle, which contradicts his image as an anti-corruption crusader. One of the key arguments is the “Sheesh Mahal” – Kejriwal’s opulent residence. BJP leaders, including Veerendra Chasteva, the Delhi BJP state president, have shared videos showcasing the lavishness of Kejriwal’s residence, including:
- Marble granite and lighting worth Rs. 1.9 crore.
- Gym and spa setup valued at Rs. 1.5 crore.
These videos and critiques aim to challenge Kejriwal’s image as a common man and expose his alleged involvement in corruption. BJP intends to counter Kejriwal’s narrative of simplicity and anti-corruption by highlighting his luxurious lifestyle.
3. BJP’s Campaign Strategy:
BJP has strategically designed its campaign to focus on attacking Kejriwal’s integrity, pointing to the alleged corruption and his opulent lifestyle. BJP’s objective is to create doubt about the authenticity of Kejriwal’s anti-corruption image and replace it with questions surrounding his wealth and transparency. They believe that by exposing these contradictions, they can undermine Kejriwal’s political standing and image among the electorate.
4. The 2020 Delhi Elections and Its Impact:
In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, BJP saw a rise in its vote share, which increased from 32.3% in 2015 to 38.51% in 2020. However, despite the increase in vote share, BJP was only able to win 8 seats. This time, BJP hopes to convert the increased vote share into actual seats and believes it has a better chance of winning a higher number of constituencies.
BJP is confident that their strategies, combined with the intense competition from AAP, will result in a more favorable outcome in 2024, with a potential to increase their seat count significantly.
5. Outlook for the 2024 Delhi Elections:
The 2024 Delhi elections are expected to witness a tough battle between AAP and BJP. Both parties are employing aggressive strategies to win over voters. BJP is attacking Kejriwal’s image by focusing on his alleged corruption and lavish lifestyle, while AAP is working to maintain its reputation as the common man’s party that fights corruption.
The outcome of this election will likely depend on the voter sentiment, the effectiveness of the parties’ campaign strategies, and how well they manage to address the public’s concerns. The stakes are high for both parties, and this election is set to be a pivotal one in Delhi’s political landscape.
