Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), once basked in the glory of being a political figure synonymous with honesty, integrity, and a strong anti-corruption stance. Rising from the ranks of civil society movements, notably the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption crusade, Kejriwal captured public imagination as a reformer committed to transparency and clean governance. However, the recent controversies surrounding his party, especially the ongoing liquor scam case, have severely dented his carefully cultivated image. The question that many now ask is whether Kejriwal’s brand of integrity remains intact or if it has succumbed to the very forces he once vowed to eradicate.

The Liquor Scam and Its Fallout

The liquor policy scandal, which led to the arrest of several top AAP leaders and cast a long shadow over the party, has been one of the most damaging episodes for the Kejriwal government. The scam revolves around allegations that the AAP government tweaked Delhi`s excise policy to favor certain private players, allegedly leading to kickbacks and corruption. Among those arrested were Kejriwal’s close confidants and party heavyweights, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, whose incarceration for months painted a grim picture of the party`s top leadership.

Kejriwal, himself, recently walked out of Tihar jail on bail. Although released, the Chief Minister is far from being in the clear. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and until the courts pronounce a final verdict—either convicting or acquitting him—the scandal will continue to haunt both Kejriwal and the AAP. Regardless of the outcome, the mere association with such a scam, especially for a party that was founded on the ideals of transparency and integrity, will continue to stick, eroding the party’s credibility.

The AAP’s Defensive Stance

The once-confident AAP now finds itself on the back foot. Public perception, particularly concerning the leadership`s moral compass, has shifted. The arrests and allegations against party leaders have placed the AAP on the defensive, forcing it to answer uncomfortable questions about the integrity of its core team. The fact that several leaders were found "procedurally" involved in dubious activities suggests a broader problem within the party.

The larger concern for Kejriwal and his leadership is not just the immediate fallout from the scandal, but the long-term damage to the party’s image. Founded on the premise of offering an alternative to India’s corruption-plagued political class, the AAP’s promise of honesty, integrity, and corruption-free governance is now seen as faltering. The very brand of governance that attracted voters to AAP—a beacon of change—now seems to be undercut by the same vices it once condemned.

Dimming the Shine of AAP

The AAP’s rise in Indian politics was meteoric. Launched in 2012, the party promised a break from traditional party politics, offering governance that was honest, participatory, and corruption-free. Under Kejriwal`s leadership, the AAP swept the 2015 Delhi elections, winning 67 out of 70 seats. The electoral success was based on the party’s credibility as a crusader against corruption and a champion of clean governance. However, the current situation reflects a departure from the founding principles of the party.

Several ministers in the AAP government have had to resign following charges of corruption. For instance, in 2022, Delhi’s Health Minister Satyendar Jain was arrested on charges of money laundering, leading to his resignation. Similarly, the resignation of Transport Minister Gopal Rai in 2016 under accusations of irregularities also raised questions about the party’s governance model. The continuous trickle of resignations and accusations has created an impression that the AAP, like many other parties, is struggling with the very issues it once vowed to eliminate.

Further, reports of several party MLAs indulging in corrupt practices have caused internal strife. Some leaders have quit the party, citing a growing culture of sycophancy and corruption within the AAP`s ranks. Leaders like Kapil Mishra, a former MLA, accused Kejriwal and his aides of turning a blind eye to corruption, claiming the party no longer represented the values it once stood for. Such public spats have damaged the party’s internal cohesion and weakened its external image.

BJP`s Role in Curtailing AAP’s Governance

It is important to acknowledge that the AAP has not functioned in a vacuum. Since the party came to power in Delhi, it has faced relentless opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs the Centre. The BJP, through its influence over the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, has consistently curbed Kejriwal’s power to administer the state. The Centre has invoked its special powers over Delhi, a Union Territory, to interfere in key areas of governance, frustrating many of Kejriwal’s initiatives.

The tussle between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led Central government has resulted in several legal battles, some of which have gone to the Supreme Court. While the courts have often ruled in favor of the Delhi government, the Centre has used parliamentary acts to overturn these verdicts. This constant friction has not only slowed down governance but has also hampered the development of infrastructure projects and social welfare programs in the national capital.

In May 2023, for instance, the Supreme Court granted the Delhi government executive control over services in the state, a significant victory for the AAP. However, just days later, the Centre brought an ordinance nullifying the court’s decision. This battle for control has placed Kejriwal in a difficult position—while he fights to retain his governance powers, he is also portrayed by his opponents as ineffective and unable to deliver on his promises.

The political narrative against Arvind Kejriwal has been building for several years. The BJP has systematically targeted him, painting him as a corrupt and unreliable leader. With the liquor scam now amplifying these accusations, Kejriwal’s political future seems precarious. As Delhi heads towards its next assembly elections, Kejriwal must confront the reality that his once-unblemished image has taken a beating.

However, the cracks in his credibility are not entirely a result of external pressures. Kejriwal himself has compromised on several of his early promises, notably his commitment to shun the perks of office. While he initially refused government housing and security, he later relented, drawing criticism for his about-face. His decision to accept Z+ security, one of the highest security details in India, was particularly controversial given his earlier stance against VIP culture. Such compromises have undermined the "aam aadmi" (common man) persona that he so carefully crafted.

Further, the governance model of the AAP, while commendable in areas such as education and healthcare, has not been without criticism. The party`s populist measures, such as free electricity and water, have been labeled unsustainable by critics, raising questions about the economic viability of such policies. Moreover, the party`s reliance on subsidies, while popular with voters, may not be sufficient to address the deeper issues facing Delhi.

The Test of Popularity and Integrity

As Delhi gears up for its next assembly elections, the real test for Arvind Kejriwal will be whether he can restore his brand of integrity in the eyes of the electorate. While the party still enjoys considerable support, particularly among the urban poor, the middle class—once a strong backer of the AAP—seems increasingly disillusioned. 

The next election will not only be a referendum on Kejriwal’s governance but also on his ability to remain the upright, incorruptible politician that he once was. With the BJP continuing to position itself as the alternative, Kejriwal must reckon with the reality that his credibility has taken a significant hit. 

The outcome of the ongoing liquor scam case will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping Kejriwal’s political future. Until then, the AAP’s claim to integrity will remain in question, and Kejriwal’s fight to retain his image as a corruption-free leader will continue to be an uphill battle. Whether the people of Delhi still see him as the honest, upright politician they once rallied behind remains to be seen.

(The writer is a National Award-winning journalist and Founder, www.nyoooz.com)

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