2 weeks Ago
After Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was released on bail in the alleged excise policy scam case, the party has intensified its demand for early state elections in Delhi. The push, initially raised by Kejriwal, aims to synchronise Delhi’s elections with those of Maharashtra, where the assembly’s term ends in November 2024. Delhi’s Legislative Assembly, on the other hand, is due to complete its tenure in February 2025.
Kejriwal’s resignation and call for early polls In a surprising move, Kejriwal stepped down as Delhi’s Chief Minister, citing moral responsibility amidst corruption allegations. His resignation, coupled with an emotional appeal, is seen as a strategic step to rejuvenate the party and its voter base ahead of the elections. Kejriwal, who previously led the anti-corruption movement that toppled Congress in Delhi, finds himself facing similar accusations but has vowed to undergo his own "agni pariksha" (trial by fire).
Kejriwal 's departure from office is perceived by some political observers as a calculated move to refocus on party organisation and campaigning efforts. AAP, which won a landslide victory in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust before the next elections. Campaign strategy and Kejriwal’s role Kejriwal’s resignation frees him to fully commit to AAP's campaign efforts across various states.
In Delhi, AAP plans a door-to-door campaign, while Kejriwal is expected to lead roadshows and mass rallies in regions like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. By campaigning vigorously in these states, AAP hopes to strengthen its presence and recover from the political damage caused by the excise policy allegations. Additionally, Kejriwal is expected to travel to Maharashtra, where AAP is eyeing an electoral breakthrough.
The party believes that holding Delhi’s election alongside Maharashtra’s could offer a strategic advantage, forcing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to divide its attention between two high-stakes elections. BJP’s challenges in Maharashtra The BJP is keen to retain control in Maharashtra, but the party has faced setbacks in the state, particularly after its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP -led alliance secured only 19 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, which sends the second-largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh.
The upcoming state election is crucial for the BJP, and AAP sees an opportunity to capitalise on any cracks in the ruling party's strategy. Election Commission’s role and legal considerations For early elections to take place in Delhi, the AAP government would need to formally request the Election Commission (EC) to advance the polls. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the EC has the authority to notify elections up to six months before the end of the assembly's term in February 2025.
However, holding Delhi’s elections early might be complicated. The EC must update electoral rolls and register new voters before calling for elections, making it unlikely that the polls will be moved forward. Additionally, security concerns have previously led the EC to stagger elections across states, as seen in recent decisions involving Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Maharashtra.
Delhi last voted in Assembly elections on February 8, 2020. AAP secured 62 seats and the BJP eight seats in the 70-member assembly. The Congress failed to open its account in the national capital.
Kejriwal’s demand for early polls in Delhi is rooted in AAP’s strategy to maximise its electoral gains and to counter the BJP in a politically sensitive period. However, whether the Election Commission will agree to advance the elections remains to be seen..
