NEW DELHI: Rarely has an election to a small state assembly of 70 seats generated as much nationwide interest as Delhis. Bitterly contested under the shadow of the two-month-long anti-CAA protests at Shaheen Bagh, violence on campuses, chants of “goli maaro” at a Union ministers rally, and gunfire, it was billed by many as a virtual referendum on nationalism. But Arvind Kejriwals aim never wavered as he stayed focused on AAPs track record — while BJP missed the target yet again, and Congress fired a blank. Here's what the verdict means.
The win keeps AAPs model of alternative politics afloat despite its relative mainstreaming. Its mix of populism, health & schooling initiatives and last-minute use of Hindu symbolism worked. BJPs poor run in state polls since Lok Sabha election continues, highlighting the need for state-level leaders and problems of incumbency.
Though BJP has boasted leaders like Shivraj Chouhan and Raman Singh who won successive elections, the formula needs to be refreshed.
Polarisation may have boosted BJPs vote share, but its limits have been exposed. While issues like Shaheen Bagh can resonate with voters, there is no substitute for ground level politics and solid preparation. The attack on AAP and its policies came too late, after the party had opened up a big lead in terms of its popular outreach and electoral communication.
The result should boost coordination among opposition parties against the Modi government t but they will feel the absence of a leader with Congresss diminution. State elections in Bihar later this year and in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu Read More – Source
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