Why Did the BJP Lose the 2020 Delhi Election?

The 2020 Delhi election saw a significant shift in political dynamics, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerging victorious over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Modi. One can draw parallels between this electoral contest and the classic fable The Fox and the Crow, where the crow, bragging and flattered, lost the cheese in its beak while singing. In the case of Delhi, the BJP’s flattery and overreliance on Modi’s national reputation proved to be a double-edged sword.

BJP's Flawed Strategy and the AAP's Win

The BJP’s campaign was marred by a lack of effective leadership and strategic blunders. Instead of focusing on the specific needs and issues of Delhi, the party chose to campaign primarily around national and Modi-centric issues. This approach proved to be a significant miscalculation, as the AAP focused on addressing basic, immediate needs of the people, a strategy that resonated strongly with voters.

Key figures like Mohammed Kejriwal and the AAP have consistently shown their ability to connect with the electorate on a grassroots level. Kejriwal’s charisma, combined with the AAP’s strong performance during the 2015 election, set a high standard that the BJP struggled to meet in 2020. The reality of Delhi has shown a stark contrast, especially in areas like the Maa Yamuna, where the BJP’s approach was criticized heavily.

Why BJP's High Performance Wasn't Enough

While Kejriwal has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and performance, the BJP’s strategy of targeting nationalists and moderates through a cultural and communal agenda proved to be ill-fated. The party failed to address the greed and pragmatic politics of Delhi’s electorate. As an observer myself, I have witnessed how logical arguments and intellectual debates rarely hold sway in Delhi, even spanning over two decades from 1997 to 2002. Delhites tend to be quite pragmatic and often vote based on immediate benefits and personal benefits.

In a political match, as in cricket, sometimes even a strong team may lose if it doesn’t play optimally. The AAP, with its focused and grassroots strategy, outperformed the BJP in this political match. The AAP managed to secure 10% more votes than the BJP, largely due to their appeal to freebies and Muslim appeasement, which resonated with the majority (around 20%) of Delhi’s population.

The BJP Campaign's Criticisms

The BJP’s think tank played a crucial role in planning the campaign, but they failed to implement a cohesive and effective strategy that aligned with the needs of Delhi voters. The party’s reliance on flattery and sycophancy towards Modi, without addressing local issues, proved to be a fatal flaw. Additionally, the BJP's tactics of playing the Hindu-Muslim card did little to sway voters and instead reinforced the AAP’s approach of focusing on basic needs and immediate benefits.

Furthermore, the BJP’s strategy misread the political landscape of Delhi. Despite expectations that nationalists would support them, they overlooked the fact that Delhiites are highly pragmatic and often vote based on immediate gains. This disconnect allowed the AAP to capitalize on the prevailing sentiment and win the election.

Another significant factor was the role of Arvind Kejriwal. While the AAP’s leader poses a direct threat to the Indian National Congress (Congress) due to his popularity and performance, the BJP undergraded the importance of Kejriwal. The Congress is more concerned with containing Kejriwal, given his popularity and influence, rather than addressing the broader issue of Modi’s leadership. This misjudgment by the BJP further contributed to their defeat.

Conclusion

The 2020 Delhi election was a stark reminder of the importance of local focus and practical solutions in a democracy. The BJP’s overreliance on Modi and national issues, coupled with a lack of narrative around immediate benefits for the people, ultimately cost them the election. The AAP, with its targeted and effective strategy, successfully navigated this political landscape, proving that a strong local leader can outmaneuver a powerful national figure in certain contexts.

While the BJP had advantages, they failed to capitalize on them. The election results underscore the need for political parties to understand and address the specific concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent. As politics continues to evolve in India, it will be imperative for all parties to adopt strategies that resonate with the grassroots and offer tangible benefits to the electorate.