Tag: Delhi Assembly Elections 2025

‘Overconfidence & Apathy Caused AAP’s Defeat, Kejriwal’s Humiliation In Delhi’

By LokMarg

Anshuman Jain, a Delhi based businessman and cultural activist, says Kejriwal made the mistake of taking the Delhi voters for granted. His views:

Hubris and arrogance are a man’s biggest enemy. Arvind Kejriwal, who once embodied simplicity, honesty, and a fierce anti-corruption stance, has seen a dramatic downfall. His journey from an idealistic activist to a politician accused of the very corruption he vowed to fight is nothing short of ironic. It reaffirms the age-old saying: power corrupts.

When Kejriwal stormed to victory in 2015 with an unprecedented mandate and repeated his success in 2020, he was in a position to bring genuine change to Delhi. However, instead of strengthening his moral standing, he chose the path of political expediency. Over time, he abandoned his earlier principles, focusing solely on retaining power at any cost.

The same leader who once shunned government bungalows and VIP culture ended up spending a staggering Rs45 crore on renovating his residence into a lavish palace-like property with five-star amenities. This blatant display of excess in a city where lakhs struggle for basic services was a clear indication of his growing sense of invincibility.

Kejriwal’s liquor policy was another major turning point. While his government claimed it was aimed at boosting revenue and bringing transparency, it ultimately led to a major scandal. His administration allegedly favored select private players, leading to huge losses for the exchequer. Though his party made significant money through the policy, they failed to plug loopholes, eventually inviting scrutiny and legal troubles. This, combined with the corruption allegations against top AAP leaders, shattered the clean image that Kejriwal had carefully cultivated over the years.

ALSO READ: ‘Punjab Will Never Forgive AAP If It Doesn’t Keep Its Word’

Apart from policy failures, his political strategy also contributed to his downfall. Instead of focusing on governance, he resorted to making wild, unrealistic promises—often without a clear plan for execution. Freebies like free electricity, water, and bus rides for women were popular but unsustainable in the long run. As Delhi’s financial health worsened and development projects stalled, many in the middle class began to question the viability of his model.

Moreover, his constant confrontation with the central government proved detrimental. Rather than negotiating solutions, Kejriwal took a combative approach, often making exaggerated and unverified allegations against the BJP-led Centre. This not only led to frequent clashes but also allowed the BJP to systematically block or delay his initiatives. Over time, Delhiites saw governance coming to a standstill. While Kejriwal blamed the Centre for every roadblock, the electorate grew weary of the never-ending blame game. The middle class, which had once been his strong supporter, ultimately gave up on him, disillusioned by his inability to deliver tangible results.

His party’s expansion plans in other states also took a toll. While Kejriwal aspired to turn AAP into a national force, it diverted his attention from Delhi. The focus on Punjab, Gujarat, and other states came at the cost of local governance, making it seem like he had taken Delhi voters for granted.

In the end, it was a combination of arrogance, mismanagement, corruption allegations, and overconfidence that led to Kejriwal’s defeat. From being a beacon of hope to a leader many now see as just another politician, his downfall serves as a lesson in how power, when unchecked, can lead even the most well-intentioned leaders astray.

As told to Deepa Gupta

‘Delhi Needs Robust Civic Infrastructure; That Will Decide My Vote’

By LokMarg

Anupama Sharma, a housewife from Delhi, talks about what ails Delhi for the last 10 years and what factor will influence her choice for voting. In her own words:

In the last 10 years Delhi has seen no development at all. Whether it is the repairing of roads, infrastructural development or cleaning of the Yamuna – nothing has been achieved. While pollution is a menace that we are battling on an everyday basis, the rest of the living conditions are no better. A slight rain and Delhi drowns and that is the worst time for us Delhiites. Everything comes to a standstill and all sorts of diseases and illnesses begin to crop up too.

This time during the Delhi elections, when I vote, my focus shall be on a party that aims to bring about development in Delhi. We are sitting in the capital of India and there is truly nothing that makes it so. If a government cannot provide us the basics of living a decent life, what is the use of such a government?

The condition is so bad that when we go to dispensaries in government hospitals, medicines are not available. The hospitals of course are in a bad shape. School buildings are in dire need of repair. Public parks are now a hotspot for gambling and nefarious activities. I often go to parks with some ladies from the neighbouring homes and there is no place to walk. The walking tracks are all broken in places. Swings were put up but now they are all broken. Maintenance is zero.

ALSO READ: Atishi Is Promising, But Needs Clear Vision For Delhi

Though the number of buses on road has increased because of free rides for women but this has resulted in traffic jams. Freebies never have a positive effect. It is just a matter of time before anything free rebounds with grave consequences. And why give people a chance to get into this hazardous habit? Give them employment.

Pollution comes with its own troubles. The government immediately brings GRAP 3 or 4 into effect with no results. Number of cars on roads reduce but people end up buying more than one car because one will eventually not be used when these restrictions are implemented. This is all so ridiculous. As it is the 10- and 15-year rule for cars depending upon the fuel they run on, has made people buy at least 3-4 cars per family. Does this not bring too many vehicles on road? 

Petty crime in Delhi has increased in all these years. Incidents of chain snatching are rampant as is pickpocketing. The capital basically is not a capital in any sense.

So yes, I shall vote for development this time.

As told to Deepa Gupta

‘I Will Be Voting For The First Time, I Want To Make It Count’

By LokMarg

Pranshuman Singh Bhouriyal, a Delhi citizen, shares his priorities and hopes before casting his vote for the first time. His views:

As a first-time voter in Delhi, I feel both excited and nervous about taking part in the democratic exercise this year for the Assembly elections. This is my first step into shaping the city’s future—a moment I’ve been waiting for since I turned 18. As the day approaches, I realize how tough it is to decide on who truly deserves my vote. With three major parties in the race, and each one of them making promises that sound good on paper, the responsibility feels heavier than I expected.

I’m not looking for flashy speeches or over-the-top campaigns. I want someone who gets what people like me—students and young professionals—actually care about. For me, education and jobs are at the top of the wish-list. Sure, Delhi’s schools have improved a lot, and I appreciate that. But what happens after school? Are there enough jobs? Will the youngsters have the skills to stand out? I need a leader who has a concrete plan to address this and doesn’t just leave young people hanging.

Then there’s pollution. Growing up in Delhi means knowing what it’s like to breathe in smog every winter. It’s not normal to check the air quality index every morning before stepping out. It’s scary. Breathing clean air shouldn’t feel like a privilege. I don’t just want promises about planting trees. I want real action—policies that control emissions, manage waste better, and promote clean energy. I want to live in a city where I don’t have to worry about the long-term impact of just stepping outside.

ALSO READ: ‘Atishi Is Promising, But Needs A Clear Vision For Delhi’

Safety is another issue that’s hard to ignore, especially when I see how uneasy women in my family and friend circle feel walking alone at night. While better-lit streets and more CCTV cameras help, I know it’s not enough. As a young man, I feel it’s also about changing the culture—building respect, accountability, and trust so that everyone feels secure. A leader who takes safety seriously, beyond just ticking boxes, will definitely catch my attention.

For me, voting isn’t just about promises; it’s about trust. This is my first vote, and I don’t want to waste it on someone who’s all talk and no action. I’ve been reading about the candidates, talking to friends, and trying to figure out who I can count on. Integrity matters. I want someone who means what they say and doesn’t get lost in political games.

I also think about public transport. Like most of my friends, I rely on buses and the metro. The metro is great, but there’s still so much room to improve last-mile connectivity. I want affordable, reliable transport that doesn’t leave anyone stranded.

For me, this vote feels deeply personal. It’s not just about choosing a candidate; it’s about the kind of city I want to live in. Delhi is home, and I want it to be a place where everyone—regardless of age, gender, or background—can thrive.

As I walk into the polling booth for the first time, I know I’m carrying a lot of hopes and expectations with me. This is more than a vote—it’s my chance to help create the Delhi I dream of.

As told to Deepti Sharma