Arvind Kejriwal allegedly assaulted by AAP MLAs at his residence

After being snubbed by the Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal was allegedly manhandled by some AAP MLAs, at his residence. According to Kapil Mishra, Arvind Kejriwal was allegedly manhandled by a few AAP MLAs, he tweeted:

“Big news if true; there are speculations that three days ago few AAP MLAs had manhandled Arvind Kejriwal at his residence because of which he hasn’t left his residence to accompany candidates for filing their nominations. Is it true that Kejriwal was beaten up by AAP MLAs?”

This news if true, though highly condemnable, puts into question the prevailing culture at AAP. If the chief of a party and CM of a state can be beaten up by goons masquerading as ‘lawmakers’ how safe is the public? Twitter timeline of Arvind Kejriwal is also showing less activity since a few days, after the alleged incident had taken place.

AAP has been in the spotlight for similar reasons a number of times, the most striking example was the controversy over Delhi chief secretary’ alleged assault. Delhi Chief Secretary, Anshu Prakash’s alleged assault by Aam Aadmi Party lawmakers. This initiated a nationwide lash back from civil servants and citizens throughout India condemning any such act. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal also had taken note of the development and in a letter to Arvind Kejriwal had  reportedly said the assault has “had a demoralising” effect on the state’s bureaucracy. Two AAP MLAs were also snubbed by the judiciary for the same.

The 2015 assembly elections in Delhi saw, AAP desperate to find winnable candidates after an embarrassing defeat in the 2014 general elections, which many believe led the party to compromise on its core values. Candidates marred with cases of corruption and other serious crimes were given space on the newly formed party’s list.

Abandoning its core principles on which the party was formed; Arvind Kejriwal has shifted AAP’s focus to caste based vote bank politics like traditional parties like SP, BSP and others. AAP, in trying to emulate the politics of SP, BSP and others through caste politics and minority appeasement is rapidly losing its voter base. AAP also seems to have taken on the strong arm culture from these parties. Formed on the basis of its anti-corruption Image, sharing stage with the same leaders whom AAP was formed against, has not played well for the cadre or the voter base of AAP. 

The departure of senior leaders like Yogendra Yadav, Ashish Khetan and others from the party, has left AAP faceless in other states therefore limiting AAP’s presence to Delhi only. The departure of leaders has also caused cadre management issues, ultimately resulting in instability and inefficiency in the party.

In Delhi, considered the fort of AAP, problems are compounded with constant infighting and alienation of popular leaders like Kumar Vishwas from the party, Voters are disgruntled. Lack luster performance in the state government and failed attempt to forge an alliance with Congress in the state has also left the party red faced. As AAP which was created by Arvind Kejriwal on an anti corruption sentiment against Congress, for political ambitions, had to approach the same Congress to save its political ground.

Involvement in ambition driven politics has affected Arvind Kejriwal’s credibility adversely and analyzing the current political scenario, many experts believe it to be the last election for AAP.