NEW DELHI: The Delhi Assembly elections, set for February 5, promise a head-to-head battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Meanwhile, the Congress, once a dominant force in the national capital, is struggling to regain its footing in a landscape increasingly polarized between these two parties.

Arvind Kejriwal, who gained national attention during the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption movement, has been representing his constituency for more than ten years. Over the years, Kejriwal has consistently won elections by wide margins, including a notable victory in 2020 with a lead of 21,687 votes.

Kejriwal's primary support comes from the lower-middle-class community, which includes workers, street vendors, and auto-rickshaw drivers. This voter base has largely remained loyal to him. The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) welfare initiatives, such as free bus rides for women, continue to resonate strongly with the electorate. Additionally, the promise of monthly financial support, including Rs 2,100 for women, has further strengthened the party’s appeal.

Delhi's unique governance structure, where the state and central governments often clash, makes its elections significant far beyond its borders. Since 2012, the political dynamics of Delhi have revolved around the AAP and BJP, with voters favoring the AAP in Assembly elections and the BJP in Lok Sabha polls.

AAP's Aspirations and Challenges

The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, harbors ambitions beyond Delhi, positioning itself as a national player and Kejriwal as a challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the party faces hurdles as corruption allegations against Kejriwal and other AAP leaders threaten its image as a clean and citizen-friendly alternative. Critics point out that while central investigative agencies may exhibit bias in targeting political opponents, these allegations have raised valid questions about the party's integrity.

Repeated conflicts with the Centre-appointed lieutenant governor have also hampered AAP’s ability to fulfill its promises. Despite these challenges, the party is campaigning for a fourth consecutive term, banking on its track record of governance and welfare schemes.

BJP’s Double-Engine Pitch

The BJP is emphasizing the concept of a "double-engine government," suggesting that alignment between the state and central governments would eliminate the frequent power struggles and ensure smoother administration. The party's campaign aims to present itself as a more effective alternative to the AAP, highlighting its ability to address governance issues seamlessly.

Electoral Integrity and Allegations

Concerns over the credibility of the electoral process have also surfaced in this election. The AAP has accused the BJP of orchestrating the deletion of legitimate voters from electoral rolls. In response, the Election Commission has assured all stakeholders that strict protocols are in place to prevent such deletions and that parties can raise objections during various verification stages.

The BJP, on the other hand, claims that the AAP’s objections stem from concerns over the removal of illegal voters, including alleged Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants, who they accuse of benefiting from AAP’s welfare programs.

The Bigger Picture

This election is not just about who governs Delhi but also about larger political narratives shaping India’s democracy. With the AAP and BJP both vying for dominance, the outcome will have implications that extend far beyond the city’s borders.