Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Nobody underestimates AAP anymore' that was published in Newsband

Nobody underestimates AAP anymore

Aam Aadmi Party’s rise in Delhi gives both BJP, Congress much to think about. What is fascinating is that the leader of AAP Arvind Kejriwal fought the battle from scratch and yet was able to achieve so much success. The spectacular debut of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — winning 28 of 70 seats — has not only changed the political dynamics of Delhi but has also stunned the two big national parties. The most stunning happening was when chief minister Sheila Dikshit received crushing defeat from AAP`s Arvind Kejriwal by around 25,000 votes. It`s clear that Congress paid for its complacency and making light of AAP as a new third force.

Full credit must go to AAP for running an innovative campaign. It humbly chose broom as the poll symbol. The party successfully channelled the angst of people against corruption and price rise under the Congress. It won in both middle class areas — a hitherto ignored constituency — and in relatively poor boroughs. This reflects AAP`s inclusive appeal. Impressively, in one short year it was able to translate the momentum generated during the Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement into a vibrant political formation.

While AAP`s emphasis on clean politics and impeccable integrity is welcome, it must now learn the ropes of governance. Now it is left to be seen whether it will extend support to BJP — which has emerged as the single largest party — or play the role of a responsible opposition.

Kejriwal was certain of victory even before the results were announced. One must admire his confidence. Other parties are so worried about AAP’s performance that they have already started sending feelers to its candidates. The fact that these candidates were approached by other parties proves the fear that Kejriwal and AAP have managed to instill in the hearts of the members of other parties.

AAP is also gearing up for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The party was formed with the ultimate agenda of sitting in Parliament. It had in fact done a lot of work on the national level before starting work for Delhi elections. It had also set up 309 district committees which were also largely instrumental in sending volunteers to Delhi. Now that the results are declared, Kejriwal and the members of his party will now sit down and brainstorm for the next elections.

Before the elections, most exit polls had speculated that AAP may win about 10-12 seats though the party was confident of a clear majority. It’s true that AAP didn’t get majority in Delhi but it won much more seats that anybody expected. Thus it is proved that AAP has, in a matter of single year, managed to significantly change the rules of political warfare at least in the capital. Till now, the major parties had refused to even acknowledge AAP's presence, but its mass appeal and fresh take on politics has forced them to finally take a note.

The contest in Delhi was triangular but the fiercest battle was between BJP and AAP, and Congress was a weak third. Kejriwal managed to bring about the worst upset for Congress by winning in the New Delhi constituency against chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

Now it is left to bee seen whether AAP will live up to its words that they will not take support from anyone nor give support to anyone. But one thing is clear: nobody underestimates AAP anymore.