Will Kejriwal emerge weaker or stronger? The Aam Aadmi Party claims that there is anger in Delhi over the arrest of Kejriwal.
Following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, there is a noticeable sense of optimism emerging for the opposition in the upcoming general elections. Various opposition parties, ranging from Congress to the SP, TMC, Left Front, and RJD, all small to big parties, displayed a rare unity as they collectively criticized the Modi government. They seized every opportunity to condemn the government’s actions in unison, with a formal memorandum being submitted to the Election Commission in protest against Kejriwal’s arrest. The unexpected determination displayed by the Congress party is noteworthy, especially considering that Arvind Kejriwal’s actions have been widely attributed to the bad days faced by the Congress party in recent times.
Now the question arises: is Kejriwal’s arrest going to have an impact nationwide? Will Kejriwal and the entire opposition, including Congress, turn the tide in the general elections, etc.? Meanwhile, experts believe that this is not going to happen. If Kejriwal becomes even slightly more powerful after the arrest, then Congress is going to suffer the most damage. Will Kejriwal emerge weaker or stronger? This question will be answered in a couple of days because the Aam Aadmi Party claims that there is anger in Delhi over the arrest of Kejriwal. Kejriwal’s origins lie within a movement, undeniably so.
However, upon assuming leadership and gaining political power from that movement, Kejriwal began by sidelining those individuals who had contributed to the movement’s strength and its rise to power. With the acquisition of power, Kejriwal’s ambitions expanded to the extent that he started devising strategies to govern the entire nation. Unfortunately, it appears that he succumbed to the very corruption against which he had once vehemently protested, leading to his eventual imprisonment.
Currently, only the liquor scam case has been exposed, but there are several other allegations under investigation, including those related to Mohalla Clinics, counterfeit medicines, and construction scams. Kejriwal pursued a political strategy in which he appeared to believe he was untouchable and beyond reproach. His confidence propelled him forward, but now, with his arrest, he faces his true test. With the absence of the original members of his team who propelled him to political prominence, Kejriwal now seems surrounded by courtiers rather than genuine supporters.
The coming days will test the resilience of his leadership, particularly in sustaining public agitation. It’s evident that any future rallies or gatherings will require concerted efforts to mobilise the crowd, as no one will be willing to participate voluntarily. If the party fails to maintain the momentum of the movement, then it will become weak. Now, questions are arising regarding the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, which appears to have been strategically chosen. The arrest during the Lok Sabha elections disrupts the opposition’s strategy. Moreover, the recent installation of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir has intensified polarization within the political landscape.
Additionally, Rahul Gandhi’s comments on “Shakti” have provided further opportunities for the BJP. While the BJP has not explicitly laid out its electoral agenda for the upcoming 2024 elections, it is evident that Hindutva, particularly in the aftermath of the Ayodhya developments, will play a significant role. Prime Minister Modi’s strong image further complicates the opposition’s prospects. It appears unlikely that the opposition will secure any seats in Delhi. If the BJP secures victory in all seven Lok Sabha seats, it will effectively shape the agenda for the forthcoming assembly elections scheduled in ten months.
Considering that leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, who were arrested before Kejriwal, are still in custody, it appears unlikely that Kejriwal will be released from jail even after the Lok Sabha elections. The ED has been granted remand until March 28, and the court’s decision thereafter remains uncertain. Hence, the timing of the arrest appears politically strategic. Given the opposition’s current stance, it is unlikely that the Lok Sabha proceedings will be impacted. The situation is expected to become clearer following the Lok Sabha election results on June 4. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is engaged in a political battle against the Congress in Punjab while simultaneously contesting elections alongside them in Delhi. Winning even one seat out of the seven in Delhi would be perceived as a gesture of sympathy. However, the political landscape is undoubtedly challenging for Kejriwal.