Delhi Elections 2024: Trouble Mounts for AAP amid MLA Revolt

As Delhi gears up for the upcoming elections, the political landscape within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been shaken by internal turmoil and external pressures. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, known for his high-profile announcements and populist measures, now finds himself grappling with rebellion within his party, criticism over unfulfilled promises, and challenges from opposition forces.

Rebellion Within the Aam Aadmi Party

Reports suggest that discontent is brewing within AAP, as tickets for the upcoming elections have been denied to numerous sitting MLAs. According to sources, the names of 24 sitting MLAs are absent from the candidate lists released so far, sparking widespread anger among those excluded. The dissenters are reportedly organizing against the party’s leadership, with as many as 20 MLAs planning to confront the Assembly Speaker and hold meetings to strategize their next steps.

A meeting, initially scheduled at the residence of senior party leader Ramniwas Goyal, was reportedly intercepted by the party high command. Kejriwal’s swift intervention highlights the deepening crisis within AAP, as reports of phone surveillance and internal monitoring emerge. Sources indicate that the rebellion may escalate further, with more MLAs anticipated to be dropped in subsequent candidate lists. Some MLAs have allegedly threatened to expose internal secrets and hold press conferences to criticize the leadership openly.

Infighting Among Party Supporters

Adding to the chaos, infighting has erupted among AAP supporters. The decision to field new candidates in several constituencies has triggered clashes between supporters of old and new candidates. Instances of physical altercations have been reported from constituencies like Timarpur, Gonda, Patparganj, and others. This growing unrest among grassroots workers underscores the magnitude of the party’s internal crisis.

Unfulfilled Promises and Public Criticism

Kejriwal has been rolling out a series of populist announcements in recent days, including promises to auto drivers and women. For instance, he recently launched the “Mahila Samman Yojana,” which promises direct financial transfers to women. However, critics argue that these announcements are pre-election gimmicks, pointing to similar unfulfilled promises made during previous elections, such as in Punjab. The opposition has accused Kejriwal of using these measures to divert attention from the rebellion within his party.

Moreover, Kejriwal’s claims about financial constraints—such as seeking loans from the Central Government—raise questions about the feasibility of these promises. Skeptics argue that these announcements are aimed at misleading voters, given the Model Code of Conduct’s imminent implementation, which would prevent their execution.

Illegal Immigration Crackdown

While internal challenges mount, external issues have also taken center stage. The Delhi Police has launched a massive crackdown on illegal immigrants, particularly targeting Bangladeshi and Rohingya populations living in slums and unauthorized colonies across the city. Areas like Yamuna Market, Jahangirpuri, and Shakarpur have seen intensified document verification drives. The police aim to identify individuals with fake Aadhaar and voter IDs and deport illegal immigrants under existing legal provisions.

This move is seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aligns with national security concerns, but on the other, it could significantly impact the voter base in constituencies where these populations reside. Analysts suggest that this crackdown may indirectly benefit opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), by reducing AAP’s voter base in key areas.

Opposition Strategies and BJP’s Role

The BJP, meanwhile, appears to be capitalizing on AAP’s internal crisis. Leaders like Kapil Mishra have publicly criticized Kejriwal, alleging ticket-related scams and accusing the party of selling candidacies. However, the BJP’s strategy remains fragmented, with limited visible efforts to present a unified plan for Delhi. Individual leaders, including Mishra and Swati Maliwal, are vocal, but the lack of a cohesive leadership team raises questions about the BJP’s preparedness to challenge Kejriwal effectively.

The Congress Party, though currently a minor player in Delhi, could also seek to exploit the rebellion within AAP. With voters potentially disillusioned by AAP’s internal disputes and unmet promises, the opposition has an opportunity to regain lost ground.

What Lies Ahead?

The unfolding rebellion within AAP, coupled with Kejriwal’s attempts to deflect attention through populist measures, paints a picture of a party struggling to maintain control. The discontent among MLAs and supporters, combined with external pressures like the immigration crackdown, presents significant hurdles for AAP in the upcoming elections.

While Kejriwal’s leadership has weathered storms in the past, this crisis—marked by internal rebellion, public criticism, and external challenges—could be one of his toughest yet. As the election date nears, all eyes will be on how AAP navigates these turbulent times and whether the opposition can seize this moment to turn the tide in their favor.