Lok Sabha Polls: How Arvind Kejriwal’s political ambitions have shaped up in the last decade

AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (Image source: PTI/File)

As the calendar pages turn and the year 2024 approaches, the political atmosphere in India is charged with anticipation. The Lok Sabha election is on the horizon, and the role of opposition parties in shaping the future of the nation’s political landscape is under intense scrutiny. Among the political entities vying for influence and power, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stands out, its significance underscored by several noteworthy shifts in ideology and strategy.

Often hailed as one of the most successful political startups in recent history, AAP has made a swift ascent to national prominence. The party’s rise has been steady, propelled by the charismatic leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. However, as AAP continues to climb the ladder of political power, its evolving ideology and strategic decisions have come under closer examination.

Congress: From Foes to Allies

The genesis of AAP can be traced back to the fervent anti-corruption movement that swept across India. This movement was spearheaded by social activists like Anna Hazare and others, who rallied against the entrenched corruption endemic to the then Congress-led government at the Centre. AAP positioned itself as a staunch opponent of this corruption, swiftly gaining traction, particularly in urban centers like Delhi and Punjab. The party’s initial successes were predicated on tapping into the widespread disillusionment with the ruling Congress and providing a viable alternative.

However, the landscape of Indian politics is marked by fluidity and adaptation, and AAP’s evolution is emblematic of this reality. The party’s recent entente with the Congress for seat-sharing arrangements across various states signifies a departure from its earlier confrontational stance towards the grand old party. By aligning itself with the Congress and redirecting its focus towards countering the BJP, AAP has recalibrated its strategic priorities in pursuit of broader electoral gains.

Impulsive Moves to Strategic Planning

Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey, from lambasting traditional opposition figures to forging alliances with them, underscores the pragmatic imperatives driving AAP’s maneuvering. Gone are the days of impulsive electoral gambits, exemplified by Kejriwal’s audacious bid against Narendra Modi in Varanasi during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. In its place emerges a more calculated approach, characterised by strategic planning and coalition-building, reflective of AAP’s maturation as a political entity with national aspirations.

Ideology: Centrist, Right or Balanced

AAP’s ideological trajectory, from its centrist origins to a perceptible rightward drift, has elicited both acclaim and consternation. The purging of left-leaning elements within the party ranks, including prominent figures like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, signalled a shift towards a more right-leaning orientation. However, AAP’s recent attempts to reconcile its right-wing inclinations with a professed commitment to secularism underscore a nuanced balancing act aimed at preserving its distinct identity within the opposition spectrum.

Plagued by Allegations of Corruption

The specter of corruption, once the rallying cry of the AAP’s inception, now threatens to undermine its moral authority. High-profile leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh embroiled in corruption scandals cast a shadow over AAP’s anti-corruption crusade. Kejriwal’s defiance in the face of corruption allegations, despite his earlier calls for stringent action against the corrupt, highlights the erosion of AAP’s ethical moorings and underscores the challenges of maintaining integrity amidst the temptations of power.

Emergence as National Political Player

As the nation braces for the 2024 electoral showdown, AAP stands at a crossroads, poised to shape the contours of Indian politics in the years to come. A decisive electoral victory in key battlegrounds like Delhi and Punjab would consolidate the AAP’s position as a formidable national player, reshaping the political landscape. Conversely, success in alliance strongholds would validate AAP’s strategic acumen and its ability to forge enduring partnerships, underscoring its indispensability within the opposition fold.

Over the past decade, many skeptics have dismissed AAP as a mere regional player, confined to Delhi and perhaps Punjab at best. However, Kejriwal has defied expectations, earning recognition on the national stage. Whether admired or abhorred, his presence demands attention. The upcoming 2024 election serves as a litmus test for Kejriwal and the AAP. Amidst speculation of potential arrest by the ED prior to the polls, the party faces a pivotal moment. 2024 is a make-or-break juncture for Kejriwal and AAP, where their political future hangs in the balance.

In conclusion, AAP’s evolution from a nascent anti-corruption movement to a potent political force epitomizes the dynamism inherent in India’s democratic experiment. Its ideological oscillations, strategic recalibrations, and ethical dilemmas mirror the complexities of navigating the turbulent waters of Indian politics. As AAP navigates the treacherous terrain of electoral politics, its trajectory warrants vigilant scrutiny, for it not only reflects the evolving aspirations of the electorate but also shapes the contours of India’s democratic future.

Sayantan Ghosh teaches journalism at St. Xavier's College (autonomous), Kolkata and a columnist. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.