Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared on Wednesday that the results of the recent Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-elections demonstrate a rapid resurgence of public faith in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This statement comes just ten months after the party's defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections held in February.
MCD Bypolls: A Litmus Test for the Ruling BJP
The bypolls for 12 municipal wards were widely viewed as a crucial popularity check for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This electoral contest marked the first significant challenge for the saffron party after securing power in the national capital. The outcome presented a mixed bag for both major contenders.
Of the 12 wards, the BJP managed to secure victory in seven of the nine wards it was defending from before. The AAP, on the other hand, won three seats. The remaining two wards were claimed by the Congress and the All India Forward Bloc, with one each. Notably, the AAP lost control of the Chandni Mahal and Chandni Chowk wards it previously held but gained new ground by winning Mundka, Dakshinpuri, and Naraina.
Kejriwal's Verdict: A Return to Positive Politics
Arvind Kejriwal took to social media platform X to share his interpretation of the results. He emphasized that the AAP had fielded dedicated party workers as its candidates. According to him, the people of Delhi have used their vote to send a clear message.
"In the MCD bypolls this time, the Aam Aadmi Party fielded its dedicated workers as candidates, and through its verdict, the people of Delhi have made it clear that public support in the city is steadily strengthening in favour of the AAP," Kejriwal stated in his post.
He further asserted that public trust is flowing back to the AAP at a fast pace within a short span of ten months. "Delhi is very soon returning to positive politics and good governance," he optimistically added.
Political Implications and Reactions
Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party were quick to frame the results as a setback for the BJP. They argued that the ruling party at the Centre had failed this important litmus test of its local governance and appeal. AAP spokespersons claimed the BJP is gradually losing its foothold in the national capital, as indicated by the bypoll outcomes where the AAP made gains in new areas.
The results have certainly injected a fresh dose of confidence into the AAP camp following its assembly election loss earlier this year. The party sees this as validation of its continued connect with Delhi's electorate. For the BJP, while it retained most of its seats, the loss of some wards and AAP's wins will likely lead to internal analysis ahead of future municipal and assembly battles.
