The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), once hailed as a beacon of hope in Indian politics, has witnessed a noticeable decline in both its national stature and its stronghold in Punjab. Founded in 2012 by Arvind Kejriwal and emerging from the India Against Corruption movement, AAP initially promised a new brand of politics—transparent, accountable, and free of the traditional power dynamics. However, over the years, the party’s fortunes have fluctuated, and its early momentum appears to be waning.
At the national level, AAP has struggled to expand beyond Delhi in any meaningful way. Despite winning a stunning majority in the Delhi Assembly elections in 2015 and again in 2020, its performance in national elections has remained underwhelming. The party has failed to secure significant seats in the Lok Sabha, limiting its ability to influence national policy. Internal conflicts, accusations of high-command culture, and ideological inconsistencies have eroded the confidence of both voters and potential allies.
Punjab was considered AAP’s most promising venture outside Delhi. In 2017, the party emerged as the principal opposition in the Punjab Assembly, signaling a major breakthrough. This momentum culminated in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where AAP secured a landslide victory, forming the government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, post-election governance has revealed major cracks. Allegations of poor administration, inexperience, and over-centralization of power have fueled public disillusionment. The government has also been criticized for its handling of law and order, drug issues, and lack of effective policy implementation.
Another factor contributing to AAP’s decline in Punjab is the growing perception that the state is being run remotely from Delhi. Many voters and political analysts believe that the central leadership of AAP, particularly Arvind Kejriwal, continues to exert undue influence on the functioning of the Punjab government. This has created resentment among local leaders and the public, who see it as a denial of Punjab’s autonomy and dignity.
The law-and-order situation in Punjab, especially with rising incidents of gang violence and political murders, has further dented the party’s credibility. The promise of reform and a crackdown on organized crime has largely remained unfulfilled. Additionally, the state continues to grapple with unemployment, an agrarian crisis, and the drug menace—issues that AAP vowed to address aggressively during its campaign.
Furthermore, the party has failed to develop a strong second line of leadership. In both Delhi and Punjab, AAP is seen as overly dependent on a few individuals. The lack of empowered local leaders and grassroots workers has led to weak organizational capacity, especially in rural regions. In contrast, other parties like the BJP and Congress, despite their flaws, have deeper political machinery and broader networks.
Corruption allegations have also taken a serious toll on AAP’s image. Once seen as the flagbearer of clean politics, the involvement of senior party leaders in alleged scams, including the now-infamous Delhi excise policy case, has tarnished its reputation. The arrest of key leaders, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, has not only affected the party’s functioning but also weakened public trust in its proclaimed ideals.
AAP’s communication strategy, once its greatest strength, also seems to be faltering. The party was once admired for its savvy use of social media and its ability to connect directly with the masses. However, in recent times, AAP’s messaging has appeared defensive, inconsistent, and sometimes disconnected from public sentiment, particularly in the face of criticism and protests.
The return of traditional political players has also added to AAP’s woes. In Punjab, both the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal are attempting comebacks, learning from past mistakes and rebuilding their support bases. The BJP, meanwhile, is working to strengthen its presence in the state. This political resurgence is chipping away at AAP’s once-dominant position.
In conclusion, while AAP started with a revolutionary zeal to change the political landscape of India, it now finds itself battling internal crises, declining public support, and mounting governance challenges. Its journey from a movement to a mainstream political party has not been smooth, and without serious course correction, its dream of becoming a national alternative could fade. For AAP to revive its fortunes, it must reconnect with its founding principles, empower local leadership, and rebuild public confidence through honest and effective governance.