After ruling Delhi for three consecutive terms, Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a significant defeat in the recent elections. BJP’s focused strategy, branding Kejriwal as “hardcore dishonest,” and its emphasis on governance narratives played a pivotal role in toppling AAP’s stronghold. Here’s a deep dive into the key factors that led to this political upheaval.
BJP’s Tactical Victory Over Arvind Kejriwal: Key Reasons Behind AAP’s Defeat
Table of Contents
1. BJP’s Triple Attack That Weakened ‘Brand Kejriwal’
i. Corruption Allegations and Legal Battles
Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the 2021 liquor policy scandal severely impacted his credibility. BJP consistently pushed the narrative of corruption, countering Kejriwal’s long-standing image of being “staunchly honest.” His 177-day jail term became a centerpiece of BJP’s campaign, reinforcing public doubts about AAP’s integrity.
ii. Extravagant Expenditure on Government Bungalow
BJP effectively capitalized on the controversy surrounding his lavish government residence renovation, reportedly costing ₹45 crores. Prime Minister Modi dubbed it the ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ repeatedly highlighting the irony of his earlier claims of living a simple life. This damaged his ‘aam aadmi’ (common man) appeal.
iii. Allegations of Wealth Accumulation
BJP further discredited Kejriwal by raising concerns over a reported 40-fold increase in his assets between 2019-21. The party framed it as yet another indication of corruption, weakening his core voter base.
2. Modi vs. Kejriwal: BJP’s Strategic Positioning
i. Projecting PM Modi as the Face of the Campaign
Rather than focusing on local leadership, BJP transformed the Delhi election into a direct contest between Kejriwal and PM Modi. The PM’s campaign speeches resonated strongly, urging voters to trust his leadership over AAP’s promises.
ii. ‘Modi’s Guarantee’—A Persuasive Election Tool
Unlike other state elections, BJP heavily promoted ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ in Delhi, with the PM mentioning it 33 times in just five rallies. This narrative shift helped BJP consolidate its voter base against AAP’s governance claims.
iii. High Strike Rate of BJP’s Campaign
PM Modi’s five rallies between January and February covered 50 key constituencies. BJP’s strategic messaging resulted in victories across 38 seats, reflecting a 76% strike rate—one of the highest in recent Delhi elections.
BJP’s decision to field Pravesh Verma against arvind in New Delhi was a strategic masterstroke. Verma, son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, is a prominent Jat leader with a strong voter base. The speculation that he could be the next CM further strengthened BJP’s appeal. Additionally, allegations that Verma distributed money and free goods during the campaign did not lead to any action, giving him an edge over Kejriwal.
4. BJP’s Focus on Middle-Class Voters
i. Income Tax Relief Announcement
With 67% of Delhi’s population being middle class, BJP directly targeted this voter segment. Days before the election, the central government presented a budget making annual incomes up to ₹12 lakh tax-free—exceeding AAP’s demand of raising the exemption limit to ₹10 lakh. This strategic move swayed middle-class voters towards BJP.
ii. PM Modi’s Focus on Economic Relief
PM Modi extensively highlighted BJP’s tax exemption policies in his speeches, contrasting them with Congress-era tax burdens. This created a strong pro-BJP sentiment among salaried professionals and small business owners.
Conclusion: How BJP’s Narrative Sealed Kejriwal’s Defeat
AAP’s loss in Delhi wasn’t just an electoral setback; it was the result of a meticulously planned BJP strategy. By branding Kejriwal as ‘hardcore dishonest,’ targeting his governance controversies, and leveraging Modi’s popularity, BJP successfully dismantled AAP’s voter base.
With Kejriwal and other top leaders losing their seats, the future of AAP in Delhi remains uncertain. The party will need to rebuild its credibility and counter BJP’s aggressive political tactics to regain lost ground in future elections.
