Arvind Kejriwal conquers Delhi, makes history

In a resounding triumph of new politics, Arvind Kejriwal, an activist-turned-politician, has made history, and has conquered Delhi, with a vengeance. In a virtual sweep of the broom, Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has won 66 of Delhi’s 70 seats.

The Delhi verdict is a major blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had converted the Delhi elections into a personality-style contest between him and Mr Kejriwal.

Kejriwal has created history in more ways than one: this is the first time Delhi will get a non-Congress, non-BJP government, with an outsider to the political system set to be anointed the chief minister of Delhi. This is also the first time a party will get more than 60 seats in the Delhi assembly.

The AAP victory in the Delhi polls could be an inflexion point in national politics as it ends the winning spree of the BJP, which has won virtually every state election since the national elections in May.

Reactions: What They Said

“Spoke to @ArvindKejriwal & congratulated him on the win. Assured him Centre’s complete support in the development of Delhi,” Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, tweeted.

“We will always walk the path of truth, it is very scary, the kind of support the people of Delhi have given us.” – Arvind Kejriwal, CM candidate of Aam Admi Party (during his public appearance to celebrate Delhi elections results).

“I promise to be the janta’s Chief Minister, ending bribery top priority.” — Arvind Kejriwal.

“The defeat is mine… it is not a referendum on PM Modi.” – Kiran Bedi, CM candidate of BJP

“I congratulate the AAP and respect the people’s verdict. I hope that the AAP will fulfill its promises. I believe I should take responsibility and therefore resign as Congress general secretary. I was face of the Congress campaign and haven’t been able to win the seat which I contested in as well.” Congress senior leader Ajay Maken.

“Delhi election is a turning point of present political situation. Shows political vendetta has no place in a democracy. Country needed this change. She also congratulated Delhi voters, AAP workers and leaders for their big victory.”- Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister.

“I urge Kejriwal not to forget aandolan.” – Anna Hazare, anti corruption crusader.

“We have stopped the Modi juggernaut. Hope is alive.”- Yogendra Yadav, leader of AAP.

“Now, the interpretation is that the people of Delhi want an honest government, the people want to get rid of hollow speeches or statements like women should give birth to four children or ‘ghar wapsi’. Instead they want a government that has an action plan for Delhi. AAP has the vision for Delhi. AAP has the action plan for Delhi. AAP has the credible leadership for Delhi.” – Manish Sisodia, senior leader of AAP.

“Wow, well done #Delhi & well done @AamAadmiParty. Good luck to @ArvindKejriwal for the next 5 years,”- Omar Abdullah, President of National Conference.

Author Profile

India Writes Network: India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.