In the Competition Against AAP in Delhi, A Retrospective View of BJP’s Successes and Failures
The party invested everything, aligning with the AAP narrative when necessary, concentrating on the middle class, and using Narendra Modi
Reflections on the AAP Competition in Delhi: A Historical Perspective
As Delhi casts its votes on Wednesday, the BJP is generally regarded as having narrowed the lead of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following a decade of significant control of the Capital’s political scene by the Arvind Kejriwal-led group.
Not one to underestimate any competition, the BJP dedicated itself fully to the Delhi battle – whose significance extends well beyond the Capital as the AAP stands out as the sole party making the BJP uneasy in the North.
If this involved accepting the AAP’s narrative on freebies as successful, the BJP did so. Thus, disregarding that Kejriwal began the AAP campaign with “Revdi pe charcha”, mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s label of welfare initiatives as “revdi”, the BJP made extra efforts to reassure the Delhi voters that it would not halt the AAP government’s programs if victorious.
As the AAP launched its initiative to appeal to the middle class and change the perception that its administration only favored the poor, the BJP quickly followed suit. Although historically viewed as a party supported by the middle class, the BJP has in recent times expanded its reach to attract the backward classes to widen its base. Following the AAP’s shift in strategy, the BJP also focused on its middle-class supporters, with Modi explicitly stating that the tax reductions in this year’s Union Budget made it “the most middle-class friendly Budget in India’s history.”
The middle class makes up a significant portion of Delhi’s electorate, and the BJP believes that the budget proposals have been positively received by the predominantly medium, small, and micro enterprises in Delhi. BJP officials also highlight the Udyam or Micro Enterprise credit card that was launched in the Budget.
Another important group in Delhi for whom the Budget offers hope is the salaried class, which primarily belongs to the mid-income segment.
The BJP anticipates that the Budget relief, combined with widespread discontent among middle-class voters regarding the AAP’s record on quality of life, air and water pollution, and infrastructure development, may encourage more middle-class voters to participate in the election.
Moreover, the combination of its developmental history at the Centre, its strong support base in the Capital, its fresh welfare pledges, and faith in “Modi’s guarantee” will attract sufficient backing for the BJP to surpass the AAP.
Nonetheless, not all members of the party are that confident. “The portion that gains the most from the tax refund does not determine election outcomes.” “Voting in Delhi may continue to be influenced by the extremely poor and individuals reliant on government welfare programs,” a party official stated, noting that this applies even to the New Delhi constituency where Kejriwal is running. “The votes from the basti (slum) determine the winner in the constituency… The middle class has not played a crucial role in Delhi elections,” he stated.
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If the BJP secures the votes from the impoverished and low-income segments and emerges victorious, it may still need to reassess its strategies, a senior official indicated. “All political parties in India, whether Leftist, Rightist, centrist, or capitalist, now support welfare policies.” It does not contain any contradictions. “The discussion about the revdi has concluded.”
If the BJP’s strategy stumbled at any point, it was in its efforts to campaign against Kejriwal on corruption allegations. Although the AAP leader initially gained support as an anti-corruption advocate, it seemed to voters that his past imprisonment on unproven excise policy scam charges and the establishment of a so-called “Sheesh Mahal” at the Chief Minister’s residence were insignificant.
Leaders believe that another area in which the BJP might lag behind the AAP is in having “a representative for Delhi.” Though the Capital maintains confidence in Modi’s leadership and his promises, as shown by the BJP’s comprehensive victory in Delhi during last year’s Lok Sabha elections, it has also placed trust in Kejriwal for the state.
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