Twelve MCD wards in Delhi are facing by-elections featuring a fierce triangular battle among BJP, Congress, and AAP. Interestingly, 27 years after returning to power in Delhi, the BJP has mustered full force for these MCD by-elections. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta herself is leading the charge, working tirelessly to secure victories for BJP candidates.
In contrast, key figures from the AAP are noticeably absent from these MCD by-elections. Prominent leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Atishi, Sanjay Singh, and Raghav Chadha have not been seen in the campaigning fray.
The responsibility for AAP's success in these by-elections has fallen to local leaders such as state president Saurabh Bharadwaj and Durgesh Pathak. Both leaders are actively engaged, holding five to seven public meetings daily, yet the conspicuous absence of AAP’s top leadership raises numerous questions.
Why are These By-elections Crucial for 'AAP'?
Currently, nine out of the twelve wards slated for the by-elections were previously held by the BJP, while AAP secured three seats in the 2022 MCD elections. Following subsequent political movements, these wards are now open for by-election due to elevations within the AAP ranks. The stakes are high as these by-elections could set the tone for the 2025 state assembly elections.
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These by-elections are happening across other pivotal wards such as Southlippuri, Sangam Vihar-A, Greater Kailash, Vinod Nagar, Shalimar Bagh-B amongst others. Notably, Rekha Gupta, who once served as a councilor from Shalimar Bagh-B, has risen to become Delhi's Chief Minister, showcasing the career trajectories that can result from successful local elections.
While these by-elections hold significant importance for both AAP and BJP, BJP seems better poised with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta taking the reins. Conversely, AAP's absence of leading figures continues to concern their supporters.
Kejriwal and Sisodia Absent from Campaign
As yet, neither Arvind Kejriwal nor Manish Sisodia has participated in any election campaign functions for the by-elections. Kejriwal has been concentrating his efforts in Punjab, while Manish, despite his strong association with the contested Patparganj constituency, remains distant from the campaign.
Similarly, MP Raghav Chadha is absent from the by-elections in the Naraina ward of his former assembly area. Reports suggest this is due to his personal commitments.
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In lieu of campaigning, senior AAP figures like Sanjay Singh are currently leading other initiatives, suggesting a purposeful disengagement from the Delhi campaign scene. Meanwhile, local leaders like Atishi remain strategically focused away from the fray, even when elections are taking place near her constituency.
Social Media Silence from Leading Lights
It's not just a physical absence; leading AAP figures including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Atishi, Sanjay Singh, and Raghav Chadha have been unusually quiet on social media about the MCD by-elections. Not a single post promoting the by-election candidates has been seen across their profiles, which include popular platforms such as Facebook and 'X'.
The Shalimar Bagh ward's campaign is strategically managed by Kumar Gautam from Timarpur, who points out that the party is fighting at an organizational level. The local leaders are spearheading the campaign, emphasizing the localized nature of this election.
Kejriwal and Sisodia Led Strong Campaign in 2021
Post the 2025 assembly elections, similar MCD by-elections occurred in 2021 for five seats, driven by elevation and bereavement in party ranks. During these, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were actively involved, leading AAP to four victories, a testament to their on-the-ground campaigning prowess.
Source: aajtak
Yet for the current by-elections sprawling over twelve wards, the prominent AAP figures remain strangely absent, leaving Saurabh Bharadwaj and Durgesh Pathak to carry the campaign torch alone.
Strategic Detachment or Inevitability?
One senior journalist, Navneet Sharan, suggests that subsequent to a significant loss in the assembly elections, Kejriwal has strategically reoriented focus towards Punjab. This change in focus comes amidst a steadily rising BJP which adds nuanced pressure on the MCD elections.
Sharan highlights the implied political calculation that AAP, despite heavy political investment, may see unaffected by turnout, attributing leadership absence to strategic risk aversion aimed at preserving Kejriwal's national image.
Reflecting on the dwindling campaign efforts, analyst Anand Rana believes the onus of winning these by-elections significantly rests on the BJP. However, given the calibrated disengagement from AAP’s hierarchy suggests a knowledge of political risks and rewards.
Source: aajtak
Understanding the calculated absence at these elections, it appears evident that Kejriwal places greater importance on stabilizing political ground in Punjab over Delhi, with crucial assembly elections on the horizon in 2027.
Post-Election Redirection in Kejriwal's Politics
In the aftermath of assembly losses, Kejriwal swiftly convened a PAC meeting to recalibrate strategic directions extending to 2027, reallocating responsibilities across key regions including Punjab, Goa, and Gujarat.
Keen not to risk Punjab's political stability, Kejriwal has entrenched himself in state affairs to consolidate power, maintaining a strategic presence in public engagements within the heartland, particularly during culturally resonant events.
During the commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's 350th martyrdom anniversary, Kejriwal, alongside family, displayed cultural allegiance by visiting Sri Anandpur Sahib, emphasizing the political significance of religious integration with a visionary focus on Punjab's welfare.
