The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on track to win the Delhi assembly elections after more than 26 years, according to the latest vote counts. The BJP is leading in 48 out of 70 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is trailing with only 22 seats. This situation has drawn sharp criticism from activist Anna Hazare, who was once a mentor to AAP’s leader, Arvind Kejriwal.
Hazare blamed AAP’s struggles on its controversial liquor policy and a growing focus on money. He expressed disappointment in Kejriwal, saying, “With the liquor policy issue came the money, and they drowned in it.” He pointed out that AAP’s image suffered because people saw Kejriwal talking about honesty while being involved in a scandal.
The AAP, which started from Hazare’s anti-corruption movement in 2011, is now facing possible losses in important areas, including New Delhi, where Kejriwal is running for election. Manish Sisodia, a senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, has already admitted defeat in Jangpura.
Hazare criticized AAP for losing sight of its original mission. He emphasized that candidates should have a clean character and be willing to serve the public selflessly. “Money took the front seat, which hurt AAP’s image and led to its defeat,” he said.
The controversy over AAP’s liquor policy has been serious, with investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovering alleged wrongdoing in the policy changes made for 2021-22. This policy was put in place in November 2021 but was canceled in September 2022 amid corruption allegations.
Hazare stressed that candidates need to inspire trust among the public. “When someone runs for office, their character should be clean. These qualities help people believe that the candidate will do something good for them,” he said, showing his disappointment with AAP’s direction since it was formed.
As the BJP prepares to celebrate its expected victory, the AAP must rethink its strategies and reconnect with the values that initially attracted its supporters.
