Yogendra Yadav, a former leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and co-founder of Swaraj India, has expressed deep concern over the recent electoral defeat of AAP in the Delhi Assembly elections. He warns that this outcome may signal a diminishing space for alternative politics and could lead to the marginalization of underprivileged communities in the capital.
In a recent opinion piece, Yadav acknowledges that while AAP deserved its electoral setback due to various shortcomings, there is little cause for celebration. He emphasizes that anyone committed to constitutional democracy should be worried and reflective about these developments. Yadav points out that AAP, which initially aimed to transform politics, quickly adopted conventional political practices. He criticizes the party for developing a personality cult around its leader, centralizing power, engaging in clandestine operations, and displaying contempt for ordinary workers. These traits, he argues, made AAP indistinguishable from the mainstream parties it sought to replace.
The recent Delhi Assembly elections marked a significant shift in the city’s political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, secured a majority in the Delhi state elections for the first time in 27 years, winning 48 out of 70 seats. This victory ended AAP’s decade-long governance, during which it had implemented various welfare policies and anti-corruption measures. Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s leader, and his deputy both lost their seats in this election.
Yadav expresses concern that the BJP’s victory could further entrench its political dominance and undermine democratic institutions. He highlights the BJP’s alleged interference in Delhi’s governance through the Lieutenant Governor and the use of central agencies against AAP leaders. Additionally, he raises alarms about the rise of majoritarian politics, suggesting that the victory of BJP leaders like Kapil Mishra could exacerbate the vulnerability of Delhi’s Muslim community.
Reflecting on AAP’s governance, Yadav acknowledges the party’s contributions, such as improvements in public education and welfare schemes like free electricity and bus rides for women. However, he criticizes its performance in areas like urban infrastructure, pollution control, and rural development. He also condemns the party’s response to the Delhi riots and its attempts to outdo the BJP’s Hindutva politics.
The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after nearly three decades is a significant political development. The party’s campaign targeted middle-class voters and coincided with tax breaks for middle-income individuals. This victory is seen as a boost to Modi’s popularity both nationally and internationally, especially as he prepares for discussions with global leaders on various economic and political issues.
Yadav’s reflections serve as a cautionary note about the future of alternative politics in India. He urges supporters of constitutional democracy to reflect on these developments and consider their implications for the nation’s political landscape. The recent election results not only highlight the shifting dynamics of Delhi’s politics but also raise broader questions about the health of democracy and the representation of marginalized communities in India.
