Kejriwal is fighting more than an election. His political future is at stake

The 2025 Delhi election is not just a political contest—it’s a battle for Kejriwal’s legacy.

On February 5, 2025, Delhi will witness a high-stakes assembly election, crucial for both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, for AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, this election is a deeply personal battle. A victory against the BJP would make him the only opposition leader in the post-2014 phase to defeat the saffron party three times consecutively—an unmatched feat in Indian politics.

While regional leaders like Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Hemant Soren and West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee have beaten the BJP twice, none has achieved this rare political hat-trick.

A fight for survival

This election is also a fight for Kejriwal’s political survival. Despite AAP’s origins in the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, the party is now grappling with serious corruption allegations. From the controversial liquor policy case to the recent public outrage over a reported Rs 33 crore renovation of Kejriwal’s government residence, the party’s "clean politics" narrative is under strain. Kejriwal himself framed this election as his "Agnipariksha," following his resignation as Chief Minister after being granted bail in the liquor case.

A poor performance in this election could severely undermine Kejriwal’s standing, both in Delhi and nationally. Additionally, the outcome in Delhi could reverberate in Punjab, where AAP’s government faces elections in 2027. For Kejriwal, a loss would signal a rejection of his leadership, potentially dismantling AAP’s ambitions of becoming a pan-Indian alternative to the BJP.

The 2025 Delhi election is not just a political contest—it’s a battle for Kejriwal’s legacy.

Ultimately, the 2025 Delhi election is not just about governance or party policies. It’s a decisive moment for Kejriwal’s political legacy and a test of whether he can still command the trust of the people who once rallied behind his vision of honest politics.

Controversies dog the erstwhile crusader

Arvind Kejriwal’s journey from an anti-corruption crusader to the Chief Minister of Delhi has been defined by his image as the quintessential “Aam Aadmi.” Early in his career, he promised to shun government privileges like official residences, cars, and elaborate security arrangements. However, those promises have faded with time.

The "Sheesh Mahal" controversy strikes at the heart of Kejriwal’s carefully cultivated image. Reports suggest that the renovation of his official residence cost an exorbitant ₹33 crore, far exceeding the estimated budget of ₹7 crore due to the inclusion of luxury items. For a leader who has built his political career on rejecting opulence, these allegations are politically damaging.

This election will determine whether Delhi voters accept Kejriwal’s explanation or see the “Sheesh Mahal” narrative as a symbol of hypocrisy. If AAP performs poorly, it will not only tarnish Kejriwal’s personal brand but also signal that the people of Delhi no longer buy into his “common man” rhetoric. For Kejriwal, the stakes couldn’t be more personal.

Chance To Score Hat Trick

If the AAP can defeat the BJP for the third consecutive term, Arvind Kejriwal will become the only opposition leader to achieve this feat, significantly boosting his political standing. This victory would cement his position as a key figure in the INDIA bloc, making him an indispensable part of the coalition. Additionally, an AAP win would spell trouble for Congress, which is already reeling from defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana. Congress's negative campaign against Kejriwal could backfire, leading to calls from other INDIA bloc partners to either oust or sideline Congress.

This situation might pave the way for regional leaders like Kejriwal or Mamata Banerjee to take the helm of the INDIA bloc, reshaping the political landscape. Furthermore, Kejriwal's success in Delhi could have national implications. It would position him as a formidable challenger to the BJP at the national level, potentially altering the dynamics of Indian politics.

The 2025 Delhi Assembly Election will also test whether Kejriwal's model of ‘soft Hindutva’ resonates with voters. If Muslims continue to support him despite his silence on issues affecting their community and the labeling of them as illegal Bangladeshis, it will indicate acceptance of this approach. This could solidify ‘soft Hindutva’ as a viable political narrative in Indian politics.

For Kejriwal, the stakes are as personal as they are political.