New Delhi:In a dramatic turn of events just days before the crucial Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a significant blow as AAP MLAs resign, join BJP. This unexpected shift raises serious questions about AAP’s internal stability and voter sentiment as the election date approaches.

The MLAs who made the switch include prominent figures such as Bhavana Gaur from Palam, Madan Lal from Kasturba Nagar, Girish Soni from Madipur, and Rajesh Rishi from Uttam Nagar, among others. Their resignations were officially submitted on Friday, citing reasons including alleged corruption within AAP and a deviation from its founding principles. The timing of this mass exodus—only four days before the elections—has sent shockwaves through AAP’s ranks and could potentially alter the electoral landscape in Delhi.

As the news broke, it became clear that the decision for AAP MLAs to resign and join BJP was fueled by growing disillusionment with AAP’s leadership. These MLAs particularly targeted Arvind Kejriwal’s administration, criticizing its shift towards centralization and a lack of internal democracy. Naresh Yadav, one of the MLAs who joined the BJP, articulated his disappointment by stating that he had “lost faith” in the party’s direction. This sentiment was echoed by other MLAs who claimed that AAP had strayed from its original commitment to transparency and accountability.

In their resignation letters, these legislators emphasized that their decision of AAP MLA’s resign, join BJP was not taken lightly. They highlighted that they had been denied tickets to contest in the upcoming elections, which they interpreted as a sign of their diminishing influence within the party. The former AAP members were welcomed into the BJP by Baijayant Panda, the national vice-president of BJP, who characterized this event as a “historic” moment for the party. He expressed hope that after the February 5 polls, Delhi would be liberated from what he termed “AAPda” (disaster).

The impact of this mass resignation is multifaceted. For AAP, it signifies a potential erosion of voter confidence at a time when maintaining public support is critical. The party has built its brand on promises of clean governance and anti-corruption; however, these allegations from former members threaten to undermine that narrative. Voter sentiment in Delhi has already been shifting, with many residents expressing concerns over unfulfilled promises related to healthcare and infrastructure.

Moreover, this development presents an opportunity for the BJP to capitalize on AAP’s vulnerabilities. The BJP has been actively campaigning against AAP’s governance model, framing it as ineffective and corrupt. With high-profile candidates like Parvesh Verma contesting against Kejriwal, this latest development could galvanize BJP supporters and sway undecided voters.

As the election date approaches, both parties are ramping up their campaign efforts. The stakes are high in this electoral battle, with control over Delhi’s 70-member assembly hanging in the balance. The results will be declared on February 8, making this an intense week for candidates as they make their final appeals to voters.

In conclusion, the resignation of eight AAP MLAs is not merely an internal party issue but a significant political event that could reshape the dynamics of Delhi’s upcoming elections. With allegations of corruption surfacing and voter dissatisfaction growing, AAP faces an uphill battle to retain its hold on power in the capital. The decision for AAP MLAs resign, join BJP that too just days before the elections, adds another layer of uncertainty to what promises to be an unpredictable political contest.