Although Delhi has only partial statehood and sends only seven seats to the Lok Sabha, it is the capital city and that makes it a very important election in terms of optics. Moreover, it is the citadel of the Aam Admi Party and Arvind Kejriwal has managed to hold on to it despite a highly charged campaign by the BJP. Not one, but twice. The fact that he won it by defeating a congress stalwart – Sheila Dikshit only added to his heft. The election will have an impact not just on the INDIA bloc but also for the BJP. Since the BJP doesnt have a CM face, this will be an election that will be fought on the Prime Minister’s track record. It does look as if it will be a Modi Vs Kejriwal fight, atleast on the billboards and on the rally ground. This is a plan that suits Arvind Kejriwal very well for it adds to the myth about him being a Giant Killer – but how does that translate on the ground? In terms of popularity, governance and welfarism, both Modi and Kejriwal tend to play from the same deck. And now, Kejriwal is also trying to play the religion card as well by promising to pay Hindu and Sikh priests 18,000 a month. Expect the BJP to counter this offer soon. No matter who wins this is going to be a very interesting election to watch.
Then where does this leave the Congress, which is now reduced to the role of a bystander or a spoiler at best. While Sandeep Dikshit is putting up a valiant fight he is not backed by the organisation on the ground. In fact each rival faction is fighting its own little election. This is where Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge need to step in, to avoid another bloodbath. To be sure, Delhi is not Haryana – but a course control needs to be done before it becomes a West Bengal.
