The Political Gamble of Arvind Kejriwal: Will Delhi’s CM Challenge Modi in 2024?

Politics Politics of India

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-31 09:08:00 |

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As India heads toward the 2024 general elections, political leaders from across the spectrum are positioning themselves to either consolidate their power or break the stranglehold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among these leaders is Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). With a reputation as a firebrand politician and a record of both triumphs and controversies, Kejriwal is now contemplating his next move — a potential challenge to Modi in the upcoming national elections. The question that looms large in Indian politics today is: Can Kejriwal, a former activist turned politician, pose a serious challenge to Modi’s dominance in 2024?

The Rise of Arvind Kejriwal: From Activist to Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal’s journey in Indian politics is a story of transformation. A former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Kejriwal’s entry into politics was catalyzed by his participation in the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011. The movement, which gained massive traction and mobilized millions across the country, sought to tackle rampant corruption within India’s political system. While the movement itself did not yield the desired reforms, it provided Kejriwal with the platform to launch his own political career.

In 2012, Kejriwal founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the intention of bringing about clean and transparent governance. The party’s name, translating to “Common Man’s Party,” was a reflection of Kejriwal’s message of populism and accountability. In the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, just one year after its inception, AAP shocked the political establishment by winning 28 out of 70 seats. This overwhelming success catapulted Kejriwal to the position of Delhi Chief Minister for the first time, although his tenure was short-lived as he resigned in 2014, citing the inability to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill, which he had promised during his election campaign.

Despite this early setback, Kejriwal’s political career was far from over. In the 2015 Delhi elections, AAP emerged as the clear winner, securing an unprecedented 67 out of 70 seats. Kejriwal assumed the Chief Ministership again, and under his leadership, Delhi saw significant developments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, all of which helped solidify his image as a politician who delivered on his promises.

A National Ambition: Kejriwal’s Growing Popularity

Over the last few years, Kejriwal has begun to expand his political base beyond Delhi. His success in implementing policies like the Delhi model of education and healthcare has been touted as a blueprint for other states. The AAP’s growing visibility in states like Punjab, Goa, and even Gujarat has indicated that Kejriwal is not just a regional leader but is eyeing a larger national presence.

In Punjab, the AAP made a remarkable entry by winning the 2022 assembly elections, securing 92 seats out of 117, and forming the government. This victory marked the party's first foray into Punjab and established Kejriwal’s potential as a national leader. His promises of free healthcare, better education, and curbing corruption resonated with the electorate, particularly the youth and marginalized communities. This success in Punjab gave Kejriwal a springboard to challenge the BJP at the national level.

While his influence is on the rise, Kejriwal’s path to national prominence is not without challenges. His rivalry with Modi and the BJP has been a consistent theme of his political narrative. Kejriwal has frequently criticized Modi’s government for its handling of issues like unemployment, inflation, and the controversial farm laws. He has also accused the BJP of undermining federalism and centralizing power in Delhi.

The Kejriwal-Modi Showdown: Can Kejriwal Lead an Opposition Alliance?

The 2024 general elections are widely expected to be a referendum on Narendra Modi’s leadership. Despite the BJP’s electoral successes and Modi’s popularity, the country is grappling with several challenges, including economic downturns, rising unemployment, and social unrest. In this context, Kejriwal’s rising stature could present a challenge to the BJP’s hold on power.

However, for Kejriwal to mount a successful challenge to Modi, he needs to address several key issues. First and foremost is the question of alliances. Unlike the Congress, which has a long history of forging alliances, Kejriwal’s AAP has been relatively insular, often prioritizing its independent identity over coalition politics. In Delhi, Kejriwal’s AAP is known for its opposition to both the BJP and Congress, but in a national election, he will need to build bridges with regional parties and other opposition leaders if he hopes to challenge Modi effectively.

This task is not easy, as regional parties such as Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and others have their own political priorities and may not view AAP as a natural partner. Kejriwal has already experienced difficulties in attempting to forge alliances in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where the Congress Party, the Samajwadi Party, and other regional players have been unwilling to come together with AAP.

Moreover, Kejriwal’s limited national presence compared to Modi’s established political network remains a hurdle. While Kejriwal’s policies in Delhi have won him praise, he will have to translate his regional success into a national platform. In states where the BJP remains dominant, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, Kejriwal will need to convince voters that he can deliver the same results as Modi, and this will require effective campaigning and substantial resources.

The Modi Factor: Can Kejriwal Outshine the BJP’s Campaign Machine?

Narendra Modi’s political machinery is among the most well-organized in India. The BJP’s vast network of volunteers, supporters, and social media presence allows it to reach a wide electorate, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Modi’s populist appeal, strong leadership, and nationalism rhetoric have solidified his position as India’s most influential politician in recent times.

However, Kejriwal’s strategy of highlighting issues such as corruption, poor governance, and the failure of the Modi government in addressing people’s basic needs could resonate with urban and middle-class voters. His attempts to portray himself as a clean, efficient, and pragmatic leader could prove to be his strongest pitch against Modi, whose own government has faced allegations of cronyism and governance failures.

Looking Ahead: A Testing Ground for Kejriwal

As India gears up for the 2024 elections, the stakes are high for Arvind Kejriwal. His ability to build alliances, expand his political reach beyond Delhi, and present a compelling alternative to Modi’s leadership will determine whether AAP can emerge as a significant challenger at the national level.

In conclusion, Kejriwal’s political journey has taken him from being an anti-corruption crusader to the Chief Minister of Delhi and a national figure in his own right. His challenge to Narendra Modi in 2024 will not only be a battle for the prime minister’s seat but also a test of his political acumen, adaptability, and capacity to unite a fractured opposition. Whether Kejriwal’s gamble pays off or whether Modi’s dominance remains unchallenged will be one of the key narratives of India’s upcoming elections.

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