Delhi defeat: Factors which contributed to AAP's loss

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party faced a significant setback in the recent Delhi elections, signaling a rejection of their governance approach. Voters appeared to disapprove of the party's reliance on freebies to gain support, particularly as anti-incumbency sentiments grew. Furthermore, the arrest of AAP leaders on corruption charges, despite initial promises to eradicate corruption, damaged the party's credibility. The perception of authoritarian tendencies within the AAP also contributed to their decline in popularity.

Factors that contributed to AAP's failure:

* Kejriwal's refusal to resign as Chief Minister when he was arrested in the liquor corruption case failed to convince the people.
* Despite great achievements in health and education sectors, he could not defend himself against allegations of mismanagement.
* Air pollution was at its worst during the Aam Aadmi Party's rule. Attempts to shift the blame to Punjab and Haryana.
* Drinking water dispute with Haryana.
* No focus on infrastructure development. Poor condition of roads and drains, and piling of garbage.
* Kejriwal himself admitted that he failed to fulfill his promises of cleaning the Yamuna, distribution of drinking water, and upgrading roads.
* The promise of a world-class clean city could not be fulfilled.
* The Aam Aadmi government is accused of students' deaths, including a Malayali, in the incident of waterlogging at a coaching center during the rains.
* The argument that the BJP government at the Center was obstructing its work was failed to convince people.
* The failure to implement the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme.
* After Atishi was given the post of Chief Minister, Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal spoke out against the party.
* The continuous departure of senior leaders from the party and placing the focus only on Kejriwal, weakened the party.
* Not forming an alliance with the Congress party was a setback. Minority and Dalit votes got divided.