Delhi elections results 2015: Factors which led to an AAP wave in Delhi

TNN

New Delhi, 10 Feb 2015: The Aam Aadmi Party is all set to form the government in Delhi with the party surging ahead as counting of votes progressed.

 

Here are 10 factors which lead to an AAP wave in the capital:

Early bird gets the worm: AAP and its chief Kejriwal had been preparing for this election for sometime now. In fact, since its dismal performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, AAP had been gearing for the Delhi assembly elections. From declaration of candidates to its manifesto, AAP was much ahead of the BJP and Congress. Through its Delhi dialogues, AAP leaders were also able to reconnect with voters.

 

Kejriwal’s apology and reinvention: Everybody deserves a second chance - that’s what the Delhi voter felt. On every available opportunity, Kejriwal apologized for quitting after 49 days. Kejriwal’s apology made him look sincere and enhanced his ’aam aadmi’ appeal. In addition, in a deliberate strategy, Kejriwal toned down his "anarchist" image. There was a deliberate attempt not to name and shame opponents. Despite provocation, Kejriwal refused to say anything negative about Kiran Bedi. All these changes helped Kejriwal in changing his image from a quitter and anarchist to one who was humble and ready to accept a challenge.

 

Mufflerman vs Rs 10 lakh suit man: Winning elections is a lot about managing perceptions. Wearing a suit with his name on it certainly did nothing to help PM Narendra Modi and the BJP in the Delhi polls. The media was quick to brand it as Rs 10 lakh suit. On the other hand, Arvjnd Kejriwal with his muffler was the quintessential aam aadmi. The BJP lost a crucial perception battle here.

 

AAP’s appeal among Muslims: Though detailed election data is yet to come, but all reports point to Muslims overwhelmingly supporting the AAP. In the last assembly election election, the Muslim vote was divided between AAP and Congress. But this time, it was clear from the start, that it is going to be a direct fight between the BJP and AAP. Hence, the AAP was able to get sizable Muslim votes.

 

Congress’s loss is AAP’s gain: Congress was unable to recover its lost ground in Delhi, was reduced to a non-entity this assembly election. It is projected to get less percentage of votes than the last assembly polls. AAP has been able to get majority of Congress’s votes.

 

BJP took Delhi for granted: The 7-0 scoreline in the Lok Sabha elections made the BJP complacent about the Delhi assembly polls. Delhi had fallen off its radar. It allowed the AAP and Kejriwal to regroup and recover. Then, there was infighting in the state unit.The party was relying too much on Narendra Modi’s appeal and Amit Shah’s organising abilities. By the time BJP became serious, Kejriwal and AAP had taken a lead and were setting the agenda.

 

Bedi factor failed to click for BJP: Initially, it appeared that the induction of Kiran Bedi and her projection as the BJP CM candidate was a masterstroke by Amit Shah. But the local BJP workers were reportedly not happy with sudden elevation of Kiran Bedi and she had to face opposition from within the BJP. In almost all opinion polls, Kejriwal was much ahead of Bedi as the preferred CM candidate.

 

No polarization: The Hindu-Muslim polarization was not a factor in Delhi assembly polls. Moreover, AAP had consciously worked to avoid any polarization of voters on religious grounds. It was also quick to reject the offer of support from Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam Bukhari.

 

It was not about Modi: To be fair to PM Narendra Modi, this was not an election about him. If at all, this was a state election and it was all about the CM candidate Kejriwal. Even in last assembly polls, many voters had said that they would vote for Kejriwal in assembly polls and for Modi in the Lok Sabha elections. This distinction seems to have worked in AAP’s favour again.

 

Anti-incumbency: Anti-incumbency did not work in Delhi for the BJP. Unlike other states, where the BJP gained from anti-incumbency, the picture was different in Delhi.