Arvind Kejriwal, the self-proclaimed crusader against corruption, has ruled Delhi with a mix of populist policies, social welfare schemes, and, let’s admit it, a fair bit of political drama. But as the 2025 Delhi elections approach, murmurs of dissatisfaction are growing louder.
After sweeping Delhi in 2015 and 2020, Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) now faces the toughest electoral battle of its existence. From corruption allegations to governance failures and a shifting political landscape, signs suggest that Kejriwal’s invincible aura is beginning to crack. Could 2025 be the year when AAP’s Delhi dominance crumbles?
What Went Wrong for Kejriwal?
1. The Liquor Scam & Allegations of Corruption
Kejriwal rises to power with the face of an anti-corruption messiah but is embroiled in one of Delhi’s biggest liquor policy scam affairs. Senior AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia, have already been sentenced to jail, and investigations into the liquor scandal are still going strong. While Kejriwal views these cases as political vendetta, the voters may not be so forgiving. Delhiites who once regarded the AAP as the clean alternative to traditional parties are now wondering if Kejriwal really is no different than any other politician.
2. Unfulfilled Promises & Crumbling Public Services
Kejriwal has constantly relied on creating headlines with his announcements, many times veering off course from the promise he makes. However, implementation has been mixed at best.
Education & Health: The AAP claims to have transformed government schools and Mohalla Clinics in Delhi; critics counter that on the ground the reality is different. Many work for infrastructure development; hospitals are still largely overcrowded.
Water & Pollution: On one hand, Kejriwal promised clean drinking water and pollution-free Delhi, but on the other hand, the Yamuna is still toxic, and pollution has been killing Delhi every winter due to poor air quality standards.
Soon voters would start asking: Where’s the governance behind the slogans?
3. The Modi Factor & BJP’s Strategic Push
Kejriwal’s biggest problem in 2025 is not just AAP’s failures but increasing BJP influence in Delhi.
Central Government Leverage: The BJP-led Central Government has been increasingly asserting its control over the administration of Delhi, particularly after the passage of the GNCTD Amendment Bill, which definitely curtails Kejriwal’s authority over bureaucrats and governance decisions.
Hindutva Politics & Nationalism: While Kejriwal has carefully positioned himself as a soft-Hindutva leader (remember his Hanuman Chalisa recitations?), it’s unclear whether this will be enough to counter BJP’s hardline Hindu vote bank.
4. The AAP’s Expansion Disasters
Kejriwal’s national ambitions have backfired spectacularly.
The Punjab Experiment: After winning Punjab in 2022, AAP failed to establish strong leadership, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s performance has been underwhelming.
Gujarat & Himachal Losses: Despite ambitious campaigns, AAP’s attempts to make inroads into Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh ended in disappointment, draining resources and morale.
As AAP stretches itself too thin, Delhi voters may start wondering: Is Kejriwal still focused on Delhi, or is he too busy playing national politics?
5. The Disillusionment of the Middle Class & Young Voters
Kejriwal built his political movement by mobilizing the middle-class and young voters, but this base is now eroding.
The promise of job creation hasn’t materialized.
The “freebies” strategy appeals to the poor but alienates tax-paying professionals who feel their money is being used for political gimmicks.
The lack of effective law & order measures in the capital has raised concerns about women’s safety and urban crime.
In short, the very voters who once saw Kejriwal as the face of change are now disillusioned with his brand of politics.
Can Kejriwal Survive the 2025 Elections?
While AAP still has a loyal voter base, especially among lower-income groups benefiting from free electricity and water schemes, the political landscape in Delhi is shifting.
With growing anti-incumbency, BJP’s aggressive push, and AAP’s internal struggles, Kejriwal’s third term is anything but guaranteed. If the 2025 Delhi elections become a referendum on his governance, the results may not be in his favor.
Delhi’s voters have given Kejriwal two massive mandates. But will they hand him a third term, or will they decide it’s time for a change? The answer lies in the ballot box.