"AAP Was Finished When...": Ex-Leader Ashutosh's Reaction After Delhi Defeat

Following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) crushing defeat in the Delhi elections, former party leader Ashutosh has delivered a stinging critique, suggesting that AAP’s downfall began long before this electoral setback. In a strongly worded social media post, Ashutosh claimed that the party lost its way due to internal failures and strategic missteps.

Ashutosh’s Take: AAP’s Decline Was Inevitable?

The former journalist-turned-politician, who was once a key face of AAP, stated that the party’s fate was sealed when it compromised on its founding principles.

"AAP was finished when it stopped being a party of transparency and clean politics. The moment it chose power over principles, its downfall began," he wrote.

His remarks come as AAP struggles to recover from its poor electoral performance, with critics blaming its governance issues, corruption allegations, and internal conflicts.

Key Reasons Behind AAP’s Fall, According to Ashutosh

Ashutosh hinted at multiple factors that contributed to AAP’s declining influence in Delhi:

1. Corruption Allegations:

   • The Delhi liquor policy scam and arrests of key leaders like Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain damaged the party’s credibility.

2. Leadership Crisis:

   • The party, once known for its collective leadership, became heavily centered around Arvind Kejriwal, sidelining other prominent figures.

3. Conflict With the Centre:

   • AAP’s repeated clashes with the BJP-led central government over governance issues may have alienated neutral voters.

4. Electoral Miscalculations:

   • The party’s alliance with the INDIA bloc may not have resonated with Delhi’s voters, many of whom favored BJP’s stability.

Can AAP Revive Itself?

While AAP leaders have promised a comeback, political analysts believe the party needs major reforms to regain voter trust. Ashutosh’s remarks highlight growing dissatisfaction even among its former members, raising questions about AAP’s future in Delhi’s political landscape.

As the dust settles on the elections, AAP faces its biggest challenge yet—rebuilding its image and proving its relevance in Delhi’s evolving political scene.