NEW DELHI: AAP’s confidence has been boosted by recent bail decisions for its members, as the party is regaining strength and optimism.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is now exuding confidence and standing firm against the opposition, with the situation having drastically changed from just a month ago. Previously, the party was in the midst of its worst crisis since its founding in 2012, with its top leadership behind bars. However, with Supreme Court granting bail to Vijay Nair and Kejriwal’s close aide Bibhav Kumar earlier this week, AAP is now in a much stronger position. The party is also optimistic that Kejriwal will soon be granted bail, allowing him to actively participate in the ongoing election campaign.
With Nair out on bail, AAP is now in a stronger position for the upcoming Assembly elections, which are expected to be held between mid-February and March next year. A source within the party revealed that Nair is likely to resume his previous role in managing the party’s communications. Earlier, senior AAP leaders, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, were also arrested in the excise policy case but were later granted bail by Supreme Court.
Sisodia, Nair, and Singh are among the most prominent faces of AAP. Their roles will be crucial in the upcoming Assembly elections, as the party faces the challenge of 10 years of anti-incumbency. Additionally, BJP’s sweep of all Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in recent elections, further complicates AAP’s task, making the contributions of these leaders even more significant.
A senior AAP leader said, “We always expected that both would eventually get bail, but the timing is crucial, as it coincides with the start of our Assembly election campaigns in Delhi and Haryana. We are hopeful that the chief minister will also secure bail soon, which would be a strong response from AAP to the opposition—showing that, despite their efforts to entangle us in false cases, truth ultimately prevails.”
A political analyst closely following Delhi politics, said that Nair, who began as a part-time AAP volunteer, quickly rose through the ranks to become the party’s communications in-charge and a close aide of Kejriwal within eight years. By the time of his arrest, he was regarded as one of the most senior leaders in the party. The analyst noted that Nair played a pivotal role in AAP’s resounding victory in the 2020 Delhi elections, which significantly elevated his standing within the party. Despite his influence, Nair has never sought a position on the Political Affairs Committee or any office under the Delhi government.
The analyst emphasised that the recent release of senior AAP leaders on bail is a significant turning point for the party, particularly at a time when it was facing one of its most challenging periods since its inception. With key figures like Vijay Nair, Bibhav Kumar, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh regaining their freedom, the party’s leadership is expected to experience a renewed sense of confidence and momentum.
The analyst also pointed out that the presence of these experienced leaders will be instrumental in revitalising AAP’s public image, which has taken a hit due to the allegations and arrests.
Their involvement in the election campaign is expected to reinvigorate the party’s grassroots efforts, helping to rebuild trust with the electorate. By actively participating in the campaign, these leaders can directly address voters’ concerns and counter the narrative set by the opposition, potentially turning the tide in AAP’s favour as it seeks to overcome the challenges of anti-incumbency and opposition attacks.