As the countdown to the Delhi Assembly elections narrows to just 21 days, the political battlefield has been set for a fierce contest. The elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025, will determine the fate of 70 assembly seats, and the stakes could not be higher. At the forefront of this high-stakes contest are Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) playing its role in the triangular race.
The Congress party, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, has launched a renewed offensive against Kejriwal, marking a significant departure from its subdued approach in past elections. With a mix of public rallies, grassroots engagement, and scathing attacks on governance failures, Rahul Gandhi is attempting to reestablish the Congress party as a formidable force in Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi’s Recent Offensive
Rahul Gandhi’s latest assault on Kejriwal began with a post on the social media platform X, where he shared a video exposing poor sanitation conditions in the national capital. The video showcased a dirty drain, and Gandhi’s accompanying comment, “Look, this is Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal’s shining Delhi,” was a direct jab at Kejriwal’s claims of transforming the city into a world-class metropolis.
This online attack followed a rally in the Seelampur Assembly constituency, where Rahul Gandhi accused Kejriwal of making false promises and failing to deliver on key issues like corruption eradication, pollution control, and governance. Highlighting Kejriwal’s silence on issues such as the census and alleged links with influential corporate figures, Gandhi painted a picture of disillusionment with AAP’s leadership.
Congress’s Strategy: Reclaiming Lost Ground
Delhi, once a Congress stronghold, has witnessed the party’s influence wane significantly over the last decade. Since being ousted by AAP in 2013, Congress has struggled to regain its footing. Comparative analysis indicates that while the BJP’s vote share has shown an upward trend, AAP’s vote share has grown primarily at the expense of Congress and other parties.
Currently, Congress holds no MLA or MP positions in the capital. This election, however, Congress appears determined to reverse this decline.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent rally in Seelampur, a Muslim-majority constituency, signaled a strategic pivot to reclaim traditional voter bases. By addressing issues like caste-based reservation and engaging directly with communities, Congress aims to revive the coalition of voters that propelled Sheila Dikshit to power in the past.
Gandhi’s engagement with residents from Purvanchal, where he shared a meal of curd and flattened rice, further underscores his grassroots approach. This symbolic act is intended to reconnect with the working-class population, many of whom shifted allegiance to AAP in previous elections.
Kejriwal’s Challenges: A Tarnished Image
Arvind Kejriwal, once hailed as a disruptor in Indian politics, finds himself in an increasingly precarious position. While AAP initially captured the imagination of Delhi voters with its promise of clean governance and citizen-centric policies, recent allegations of corruption and governance failures have dented its image.
The “Sheesh Mahal” and liquor scams, unearthed by the Congress, have become rallying points for Rahul Gandhi’s campaign. These controversies, coupled with voter dissatisfaction over issues like pollution, sanitation, and transparency, have given Congress an opening to challenge Kejriwal’s leadership.
Moreover, tensions within the INDIA alliance, particularly between Congress and AAP, have further complicated Kejriwal’s campaign. The rift between the two parties, evident in Rahul Gandhi’s pointed criticism, underscores the fragility of opposition unity.
A Triangular Contest
The Delhi elections have evolved into a triangular contest, with BJP, Congress, and AAP vying for dominance. For BJP, the focus remains on consolidating its core voter base, while Congress and AAP are engaged in a direct battle for Delhi’s electorate.
Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive approach contrasts sharply with Congress’s earlier campaigns, where internal divisions and lack of cohesion undermined its prospects. This time, the party has adopted a unified and assertive stance, signaling a determination to reclaim its place in Delhi’s political landscape.
On the other hand, Kejriwal’s AAP faces the dual challenge of defending its record while countering attacks from both Congress and BJP. The perception of AAP as a party that over-promised and under-delivered could prove costly in an election where voter sentiment is volatile.
The Road Ahead
As the election date approaches, the battle lines between Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal are becoming increasingly clear. Rahul Gandhi’s strategy of exposing governance failures and reconnecting with marginalized communities has reinvigorated the Congress campaign. However, whether this will translate into electoral success remains uncertain.
For Arvind Kejriwal, the challenge lies in regaining the trust of Delhi’s voters while fending off criticism from his rivals. His ability to counter the narrative set by Congress and BJP will be crucial in determining AAP’s fate.
Ultimately, the Delhi elections are shaping up to be a referendum not just on Kejriwal’s tenure but also on Congress’s ability to reinvent itself as a viable alternative. As Rahul Gandhi takes center stage in this political drama, the outcome of this contest could have far-reaching implications for both parties and the broader national political landscape.