Delhi Excise Policy Case: From mega rally to ‘national role’: What is AAP’s next strategy after the court’s decision?

Delhi Excise Policy Case: Delhi The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is considering the Rouse Avenue Court’s decision in the liquor scam case as a ‘historic turning point’ for itself. Party’s Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj has indicated that this is not just legal relief but the beginning of political revival. In this series, a mega rally has been announced at Jantar Mantar on March 1, in which party chief Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia will participate. The party is presenting it as ‘Jan Ashirwad Sabha’.

According to the Indian Express report, AAP has said that the March 1 rally will not just be a program to gather support, but will be a symbol of “struggle and truth”. The party claims that doctors-nurses removed from mohalla clinics and about 10,000 bus marshals will also participate in the rally in their uniforms.

The party leadership will raise issues related to these classes from the platform. AAP says that Kejriwal has earlier also raised his voice for the rights of these employees and now after the court’s decision, he will be more vocal.

Will Kejriwal be more active in national politics now?

According to Saurabh Bhardwaj, Delhi Assembly elections are still far away, hence the scope of the party chief’s activism may increase at the national level. AAP believes that the recent decision will establish Kejriwal’s image as a “tall leader”. At present the power of Delhi is in someone else’s hands, but AAP says that it will continue the struggle on public issues from the streets to the House. There is a strong discussion within the party that Kejriwal can play an active role in the election states in the coming months, although the final decision on this will be taken after strategic meetings.

Will the court’s decision give new energy to the party cadre?

AAP leadership believes that this decision has boosted the morale of the workers. According to the party, the opposition had targeted Kejriwal’s ‘honest image’, which has been his biggest strength. AAP argues that Kejriwal is a former IRS officer and IITian, ​​and despite a prolonged investigation nothing was proved against him. The party is promoting it as ‘the victory of truth against conspiracy’. The leadership claims that after this decision, Kejriwal’s image has been further strengthened – as a leader who has come out after going through a difficult test.

Will the door-to-door campaign be intensified now?

AAP is already holding rallies and meetings at the mandal level. Since February 21, 50–60 meetings have been organized in the city, and there are plans to continue this series for a month. Now the party will mention the local issues of the city as well as the court’s decision in these meetings. The objective is to send a message to the public that the party leadership has passed the legal test.

Is AAP moving towards ‘national role’?

Political analysts believe that if Kejriwal becomes more active at the national level, AAP will try to present itself as a national alternative rather than just a Delhi-centric party. The party is already in power in Punjab and is trying to expand the organization in other states. In such a situation, the court’s decision can become an opportunity for AAP to change the narrative.

What will be the way forward?

The mega rally of March 1 will be the first big step in AAP’s strategy. After this, a blueprint for organizational meetings, public meetings and possible state visits will be prepared. The party claims that this decision will give a new direction to its political campaign. However, it remains to be seen how the public and the opposition will take this narrative.

At present, it is certain that after the court’s decision, AAP has moved from defensive mode to aggressive political mode. From the Jantar Mantar rally to possible national activism – the coming weeks will determine how far this “historic turning point” impacts.