Kejriwal’s Resignation: Reason for AAP’s Loss | Aakhir Tak

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Prashant Kishor stated that Kejriwal’s resignation after bail was a significant blunder for AAP.
2. AAP’s defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections has several causes, including 10 years of anti-incumbency.
3. Kejriwal’s joining and then leaving the INDIA bloc raises questions about his credibility.
4. BJP made a comeback in Delhi after 27 years and won 48 seats.
5. According to Prashant Kishor, Kejriwal should now focus on other states outside Delhi.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Jan Suraj Party chief and poll strategist Prashant Kishor reacted to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat in the recent Delhi Assembly elections. He believes that Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign as Chief Minister after securing bail in the liquor policy case was a major mistake. Kejriwal’s resignation weakened AAP’s position.

Speaking to India Today TV, Prashant Kishor asserted that Kejriwal’s shifting political stance in recent years contributed to AAP’s poor performance. He first decided to join the INDIA bloc, but then chose to fight the Delhi elections alone. Kejriwal’s resignation came as a shock to many.

“The first reason for AAP’s big loss in Delhi was the 10-year anti-incumbency factor. The second, and perhaps a big mistake by AAP, was Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. He should have stepped down when he was arrested in the liquor policy case. However, resigning after securing bail and appointing someone else as Chief Minister before the elections proved to be a big strategic mistake,” the poll strategist said.

The BJP made a stunning return to power in Delhi after a 27-year exile, securing 48 out of the 70 Assembly seats. Meanwhile, AAP, which had won 62 assembly constituencies in 2020 and 67 in 2015, saw its tally plunge to 22. Congress drew a blank in the capital city for the third consecutive time. Kejriwal’s resignation has become a major point of discussion.

Kishor also highlighted Kejriwal’s inconsistent political decisions as a key reason for voter disillusionment. “His fluctuating stance—first aligning with the INDIA bloc and then exiting it—hurt his credibility. Additionally, his governance approach in recent years has been lackluster,” he added. Delhi voters were unhappy with Kejriwal.

The Jan Suraaj chief further pointed to governance failures, particularly issues faced by residents in low-lying areas during the last monsoon. People faced significant hardships.

“The hardships endured by people, especially those living in jhuggis, highlighted flaws in the administration and significantly weakened Kejriwal’s governance model,” he added. People did not vote for AAP. AAP faced a big set back due to Resignation.

However, he suggested that this could also be an opportunity for Kejriwal to shift focus beyond Delhi. This could be a new beginning.

“There are two sides to the situation. While it will be extremely difficult for AAP to regain political dominance in Delhi, Kejriwal is now free from governance duties. He can leverage this time to strengthen the party’s presence in other states, such as Gujarat, where AAP performed well in the last elections,” Kishor said.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Kejriwal’s resignation was a significant strategic mistake for AAP.
• AAP’s defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections had multiple causes.
• Changes in Kejriwal’s political stance affected his credibility.
• BJP made a comeback in Delhi after 27 years.
• Kejriwal should now focus on other states outside Delhi.

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