AAP Gets The Dreams, BJP Faces Nightmares- Delhi Elections 2015

By: Rashee Anand.

India stands to be the largest democracy in the world. A country which has always had its share of history in politics, somewhat stays inclined on unipolar political ideologies - it is either this or that.

Delhi elections, which was to be viewed in the light of much hype considering the yesteryear political instabilities, presented a different picture however. A fresh political taste and interest was witnessed in the capital that in turn witnessed a change altogether in the government, which presented a separate set of agendas and portrayed itself to be the party of the people. Headed by Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party showed much promise in its propagation of democratic ideas and eventually became a government of the people although just lasting for only 49 days, after which the government stepped down. This resulted in the loss of trust and a mismatch in the taste of voters who believed they had found a new ray of hope, which was lost now. A clear betrayal of the government was advertised.

Kejriwal got Delhi Dreaming for the second time in the Delhi Elections 2015. Now is his time to realise his own dreams and of the people.

Admitting its folly of first timer government, AAP took into confidence the wish of the people to vest in them the responsibility of governance once more. That confidence has given AAP a landslide victory in the Delhi elections. Aam Aadmi Party scripted history with 67 seats in their bag out of 70, the remaining being bagged by BJP and a shameful null for Congress.

On 14th February 2015, Arvind Kejriwal was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi. The very same day, an year ago, he had resigned from the same post. The fairy-tale story of AAP has another chapter added to it. What was more noticeable was the fact that the upper and middle class chose its government with much analysis giving the AAP a second and perhaps a last chance, based on the parties ideologies.

What started as a protest for the Jan Lokpal Bill, turned into a political party with a serious agenda and follower base. They've had their share of problems and fall backs too. But they've only come out better, with a greater bang.

The next noticeable thing which was almost put under the spotlight of events was the reduction in the Modi branding. The number of votes secured by BJP has made it quite evident. Many questions are now on Narendra Modi's table. Why did BJP not grab even as many seats this time as it did earlier? What was the reason behind the Modi Wave collapsing? It had to do a lot with BJP's own foolish antics and a lot with AAP's timely campaigning and manifesto too.

Narendra Modi will have many questions to answer after the Delhi Elections 2015.

The Modi Wave. A brand has to stick to it's promises if it wants to stay competitive. Modi's glorious entry into the PMO followed by chants of 'Abki baar, Modi Sarkaar' fell flat on it's face. The only reason being that Modi, the righteous task master, refused to reprimand any of his subordinates for their acts, or for that matter, he even adopted pure silence on a lot of important issues during his reign till present. Other factors that lead to the Modi Wave decline include BJP's polarisation techniques, the controversy around Aligarh Muslim University etc. More than anything, Delhi was shocked by riots in Bawana, Trilokpuri and Okhla. Delhi has been one to stage protests and speak out, but communal tensions are less heard of. Modi, the man who invoked Gandhian principles at every step, failed to act against his own party member who praised Nathuram Godse, Gandhi's killer.

The public is easily influenced, yes. But if it believes in a man, it expects him to act too. Delhi's public has aggression, power, forgiveness and mostly, the hope for a better city. There is a hope for a city where politics is clean and politicians are honest. AAP seems like the best bet as of now. In a country where voters get to choose between two Devils and vote, a fresh face that offers transparent politics is readily welcome.

What gave AAP the victory edge? Firstly, their campaigns. The 'Delhi Calling', 'Lunch with Kejriwal', 'The Delhi Dialogue' etc are new concepts. Then, the major youth segment in AAP. In a country where the majority of the voting population comprises youth, it's easy to grab attention through catchy songs, news content and social media updates. AAP, at this end, has been extremely proactive.

Lastly, AAP's groundwork and accountability drew the votes in. Their 'no identity' politics that stresses on a no-corruption, decentralized democracy and good governance ideology, has managed to move the 'Aam Aadmi'. The party members fulfilled their election promises even after Kejriwal resigned from the post of CM.

BJP resorted to cheap tactics when the elections were approaching. Modi called Kejriwal 'badnaseeb' and 'a 49 day disaster'. And as has always been in Indian politics, mud was flung on AAP. Next, BJP announced Kiran Bedi as their CM candidate. In a last bid to win, all BJP got were 3 seats, a dead Modi wave and the tag of 'opportunist' for their CM candidate.

The question is, what next? AAP's in power and they have an impressive manifesto with stress on issues like subsidies on electricity and water, education, free WiFi in public places, safety for women etc. Can the mufflerman make it work this time? His resignation in 2014 was forgiven by Delhi only because he did it for 'his principles' and because he couldn't keep a promise. The public felt betrayed. Yet, they chose to give him a second chance, only with the hope that AAP would work for their word this time.

There are going to be difficulties. Firstly, AAP is still a nascent party. The old parties are old players of dirty political games. Secondly, BJP still rules at the Centre. Winning the elections isn't the end, just the start of a more difficult journey. They got a second chance, and they can't afford disappointing the public this time.

There seems to be a potential in AAP. Like every other Indian, each trusts in 'hope'. The Aam Aadmi Party offers that. Politics that isn't marred with the dirt and mud of muscle, money and power. Politics that's clean, honest and relative. It's just the start. We have a revolution coming.

Edited By: Anirban Paul.