Intense Political Campaigning Heats Up in Delhi as Assembly Elections Approach

KKN Gurugram Desk | As the countdown to Delhi’s February 5 assembly elections enters its final stretch, the political atmosphere in the national capital has turned charged, with key political players from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Congress engaging in heated exchanges. The city has witnessed intense campaigning, with leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launching scathing attacks on each other, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.

BJP’s Aggressive Campaign Strategy: Modi Leads the Charge

The BJP has left no stone unturned in its election campaign, holding 80 rallies across Delhi on Sunday alone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several prominent Union ministers and five BJP Chief Ministers, took to the streets to challenge the ruling AAP government. The BJP’s primary line of attack has been the alleged failures of the AAP in governance and the party’s unfulfilled promises to the people of Delhi.

At a rally in RK Puram, PM Modi criticized AAP’s performance over the past 11 years, accusing the party of indulging in corruption and making false promises. He claimed that the AAP-led government had failed to live up to its pledges, especially those related to clean water and improved infrastructure. Modi stressed the need for a “double-engine” government, one that would focus on development, growth, and national progress.

“Delhiites trust only the BJP because we deliver on our promises,” Modi said in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “The massive turnout in RK Puram is proof that the ‘lotus’ will bloom in Delhi once again.”

The BJP’s slogan for the Delhi election, “Dilwalo ki Delhi ko ab,” has resonated with many as the party continues to intensify its push for votes. Despite facing stiff competition from the AAP and Congress, the BJP remains optimistic about securing a strong mandate.

AAP’s Kejriwal Hits Back: Allegations of BJP Hooliganism

In response, AAP’s national convenor and Delhi former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing its workers of resorting to “hooliganism” and intimidation tactics ahead of the election. Kejriwal alleged that BJP supporters had been threatening and assaulting AAP workers, particularly in the New Delhi constituency, where he is contesting against BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit.

“Our leaders and supporters are being threatened to either join the BJP or face arrest and attacks. But we will not be intimidated,” Kejriwal declared, vowing that the people of Delhi would not tolerate such tactics.

To highlight the issue, Kejriwal launched a social media campaign, #AmitShahKiGoondagardi, which gained significant traction online. The campaign featured videos and messages from Kejriwal, Delhi CM Atishi, and AAP MPs such as Sanjay Singh, condemning what they described as the BJP’s “undemocratic” behavior in the run-up to the election.

Kejriwal’s accusations of BJP-led violence were aimed at galvanizing his base ahead of the February 5 vote. With the elections nearing, AAP’s leader has also stressed the party’s achievements in education, healthcare, and public welfare, promising that Delhi will continue to thrive under AAP’s governance.

Congress Joins the Fray: Kharge Criticizes Kejriwal and Modi

While the BJP and AAP continue to dominate the electoral narrative, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has also made his presence felt by launching a scathing attack on both PM Modi and Arvind Kejriwal. Speaking at a public rally in Mustafabad, Kharge referred to Modi as “jhoothon ka sardar” (chief of liars), accusing him of making false promises to farmers, the unemployed, and the public in general.

Kharge’s criticism of Kejriwal was equally harsh, with the Congress chief claiming that the AAP leader was a master at deception. He accused Kejriwal of misleading the public during his early days as an anti-corruption crusader and criticized him for abandoning his values once he came to power. Kharge said that Kejriwal had once promised to fight corruption and bring about Lokpal, but instead had compromised on his ideals for political gain.

“Kejriwal used to walk on foot asking for votes, but now he drives around in a convoy of 10 to 20 cars. This is the simplicity he talks about,” Kharge said. “He is the same person who deceived Anna Hazare and used his image to gain political leverage.”

Kharge went further, attacking Kejriwal for his alleged falsehoods and his “flipping” on various issues, accusing the AAP leader of betraying the trust of the public. He also compared Kejriwal to Modi, stating, “On one side, you have Modi, and on the other, you have Kejriwal—both are liars, and both will ruin the country.”

In his attack on Modi, Kharge said that the promises made by the Prime Minister regarding farmers and job creation had not been fulfilled, calling Modi’s tenure a series of broken promises. He urged the people of Delhi to reject both Modi and Kejriwal and vote for Congress to restore truth and integrity to governance.

A Triangular Contest: BJP, AAP, and Congress Fight for Delhi

With the assembly elections just days away, the contest in Delhi remains intense, with BJP, AAP, and Congress all vying for power in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The BJP is hoping to capitalize on its national presence and Modi’s popularity to win a significant number of seats. AAP, led by Kejriwal, is betting on its track record of governance, particularly in education and healthcare, to appeal to voters. Congress, under Kharge’s leadership, aims to position itself as the alternative to both the BJP and AAP, rallying around the idea of integrity and truth.

The elections, scheduled for February 5, will determine the future political landscape of Delhi, with the vote count set for February 8. As the campaigning heats up, each party is pulling out all stops to ensure they secure the mandate of the people.

With just days remaining until the election, Delhi’s political scene is filled with tension and anticipation. The attacks and counterattacks between Modi, Kejriwal, and Kharge highlight the high stakes of this election, with each party trying to assert its narrative over the others. While the BJP leans on Modi’s popularity and promises of growth, AAP is focusing on its governance record and promises to improve the city’s infrastructure. Congress, on the other hand, is betting on its long-standing political legacy and the idea of restoring honesty and accountability to governance.

As the city prepares to head to the polls, the political atmosphere is expected to get even more intense in the final days of campaigning. Delhiites will ultimately decide which party will lead them through the next phase of the city’s political and economic development.