https://thewire.in/politics/aap-bjp-tussle-political-challenge-modi-kejriwal
It has been fighting the BJP at every level, so much so that a good number of Congress workers on the ground are drifting towards it. AAP’s fighting spirit is drawing a large section of political workers outside the fold of the BJP, even as most other opposition parties have largely been complacent. Quite contrary to the allegation of being “BJP’s B-team” that AAP has had to face from many corners, it has shown a special perceptiveness to effectively counter the saffron party.
Its posturing is that of an anti-ideological and incorruptible force, driven by the immediate needs of people. It has carefully, but controversially, refrained from being drawn into traditional debates that has only strengthened the BJP over the last eight years. The denial to be clubbed with any form of traditional political parties has kept its novelty alive – even amidst the consistent growth of the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership has successfully attracted a majority of the Hindu population in large parts of India. Like Modi, Kejriwal is also perceived as an outsider in a corrupt political system, and resultantly a fresh alternative to the BJP by a majority of people, not merely Hindus.
The only aspect in which the AAP lags behind the BJP is its limited presence in states – a factor that can enthuse people but not garner their votes at the moment. Both AAP and BJP know this well. Thus, AAP is striving hard to remain relevant and attract public attention.
It has refused to be drawn into polarising discussions, and at the same time foregrounded issues of the poor by highlighting economic inequalities in Indian society. It has spent crores in advertisements to highlight even its minutest of achievements – often half-truths – to publicise its “unique” governance model and capture the public imagination. In short, Kejriwal has tried to beat Modi at his own game. Of course, the scale of such an exercise is tilted in the BJP’s favour, given the unrestricted corporate support that the saffron party enjoys. However, what the AAP has done with its limited resources can’t remain unseen.
by Ajoy Ashirwad Mahaprashasta
25/08/2022
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