Delhi State Election 2025: The Evolution of AAP, Political Rivalries and the Role of Online Voting

As Delhi heads toward its 2025 state elections, the political landscape is filled with unpredictability. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been at the heart of Delhi’s political scene for over a decade, but the upcoming elections promise to be a pivotal moment, shaped by a series of complex events, changing dynamics and the potential game-changer of online voting. AAP’s path, the intense competition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress’s slow collapse and the potential of online voting to transform elections and produce unexpected changes.

AAP’s Journey: From Promises to Controversies

AAP’s political journey began in 2013 when Arvind Kejriwal and his party presented themselves as a breath of fresh air in India’s political scene. They campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption and promised a new model of governance centered on transparency, development and welfare for the common man. After their landmark victory in 2015, when they secured 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, AAP’s narrative of change resonated with the citizens of Delhi. This was further strengthened in 2020 when the AAP defeated their political rivals and won 62 seats, which many interpreted as a clear confirmation of Kejriwal’s leadership.

However, AAP’s tenure was not without its controversies. While the party’s commitment to welfare schemes, like providing free electricity, water and healthcare, earned them considerable support, their ministers found themselves embroiled in various legal challenges. Allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement have been made against them, but their cases are still under judicial proceedings, with court judgments pending. As of now, none of them have been found guilty. Despite these controversies, AAP’s political strategy seemed to maintain its popularity, with their focus on welfare, especially in areas like education and healthcare, continuing to win over voters.

The Bitter Political Rivalry: AAP vs. BJP

While AAP focused on its governance agenda, the BJP India’s national ruling party shifted its attention to Delhi, engaging in a prolonged political battle. BJP’s main strategy was to attack AAP’s internal issues, particularly the legal troubles faced by AAP ministers. However, despite their efforts, BJP failed to make significant headway in the 2020 Delhi elections. Nevertheless, BJP’s national appeal and its strong leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped them secure victories in other states, including Haryana, where their win against all odds was considered a surprise.

Delhi, however, remained largely under the grip of AAP, with voters continuing to endorse Kejriwal’s welfare-oriented policies. BJP’s campaign in Delhi failed to translate into seats in the state assembly, but their national narrative focused on development, nationalism and security continued to gain traction in broader elections. The BJP, despite losing Delhi, showed its might in the national arena.

The Decline of Congress and Its Struggles in Delhi

While AAP’s popularity soared, Congress, which had previously ruled Delhi for over a decade under Sheila Dikshit, saw its influence steadily decline. Dikshit’s tenure, though marked by significant infrastructure development, was overshadowed by corruption scandals and inefficiency. By the time the 2020 elections rolled around, Congress was struggling to reclaim its relevance and it failed to secure a single seat in the Delhi Assembly.

Despite Congress’s legacy of infrastructure development in Delhi, voters seemed to be more drawn to AAP’s promises of accessible governance and welfare programs. The rise of AAP and the BJP’s national focus relegated Congress to the background in Delhi’s political landscape, signaling the party’s ongoing struggles to maintain a foothold in the capital.

AAP’s Governance: A Model of Welfare or a Missed Opportunity for Development?

AAP’s governance has often been praised for its welfare-oriented initiatives. Free electricity, subsidized water and affordable healthcare have played a significant role in shaping Kejriwal’s political persona. Additionally, the Mohalla Clinics and significant improvements in public education were key highlights of AAP’s tenure. These initiatives earned AAP considerable praise, especially among the lower-income population, who directly benefited from these services.

However, critics have often pointed to the lack of significant infrastructure development and the increasing pollution levels in Delhi. Despite the expansion of the Delhi Metro and the city’s modernized transport system, other areas of urban development have remained stagnant. Delhi’s pollution levels remain some of the highest in the world and there has been limited progress in addressing the city’s infrastructure woes. As a result, AAP’s heavy reliance on welfare schemes, rather than long-term infrastructure solutions, has been questioned by those seeking more holistic development.

The Game-Changer: Online Voting and Its Potential Impact

While AAP’s future remains uncertain, one factor that could dramatically alter the dynamics of the 2025 Delhi elections is the introduction of online voting. Voter turnout in Delhi has historically been around 60-70%, which is considered moderate by international standards. Factors such as accessibility, convenience and public awareness play significant roles in determining voter participation. Online voting could remove many of these barriers, making the electoral process more inclusive, transparent and accessible.

Right2Vote, a STQC-tested and certified online election platform, has been conducting over 3,000 elections annually and has proven its capacity to manage large-scale voting efficiently and securely. The platform ensures a tamper-proof voting system that guarantees voter privacy and security, using advanced encryption technologies. If adopted in the Delhi elections, platforms like Right2Vote could help increase voter participation, particularly among younger, tech-savvy voters and those who find it difficult to physically access polling stations.

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