The rise was phenomenal and the fall swift. The Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) finds itself grappling with a crisis of survival. Once known as a crusader against anti-corruption, AAP finds itself mired in various scams. The party drew unprecedented public support and reshaped India’s political landscape in a remarkably short span of time.
The defection of seven MPs led by Raghav Chadha, along with reports of a significant number of legislators in Punjab planning to switch sides, indicates that the party may be on the verge of losing another stronghold after Delhi. These developments point to deepening internal fissures and waning political clout, raising serious concerns about the party’s ability to retain its influence in Punjab.
Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Vikram Sahney, Rajinder Gupta, Ashok Mittal, and Swati Maliwal left AAP to join the BJP.AAP has a small presence in Goa with two MLAs and faces a high risk of “poaching” by other parties, according to party sources. The Party leaders took stock of defections by its MPs, there was a broad consensus within the that it is important at this juncture to keep the flock together, and ensure retention of the national party tag.
The Election Commission conferred the AAP as a national party status after it met eligibility conditions by garnering at least six per cent of votes and winning seats in four states — Delhi, Punjab, Goa, and Gujarat. Later, the party also bagged a seat in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Questions are raised as to whether the AAP will save the Punjab government on borrowed time. With elections in Gujarat, Goa, and Punjab taking place next year, the party must rebuild, and expand its grassroot base .
Arvind Kejriwal, once a relentless critic of the ruling party, has grown noticeably subdued following his defeat in the Assembly elections and his incarceration in the Delhi liquor case. Known for his aggressive political style, he was a forceful campaigner and a powerful orator who could galvanize public opinion and energize party workers with sharp, direct attacks on his opponents.
His relative silence now marks a stark shift in the party’s political momentum. At a time when strong leadership and vocal opposition are crucial, his absence from the frontlines has created a vacuum, affecting both the party’s morale and its ability to mount an effective challenge.
AAP not only displaced the Congress in Delhi and Punjab but also positioned itself as a potential challenger in states such as Haryana, Gujarat and Goa. Its rapid expansion signalled the emergence of a formidable alternative in the national politics
However, the narrative took a dramatic turn with the eruption of the alleged liquor policy scam. What was once projected as a model of transparency became mired in controversy, raising serious questions about the party’s governance and internal accountability. The scandal not only dented its carefully cultivated image but also provided political rivals with ammunition to challenge its credibility. key leaders came under scrutiny, the party started losing support base particularly among the middle class voters.
