In a significant political upheaval just weeks before the Delhi elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been dealt a major blow with four of its prominent leaders defecting to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move underscores the intense competition and strategic realignments unfolding in the national capital's political landscape.
Among the defectors are former Ghonda MLA Shridutt Sharma, who served from 2015 to 2020, and Chaudhary Vijendra, previously associated with AAP MP Sanjay Singh. Joining them are municipal councillors Rekha Rani from Bhajanpura and Shilpa Kaur from Khyala. Their defection was marked by a formal induction into the BJP in the presence of party leaders Harsh Malhotra, Manoj Tiwari, and Kamaljeet Sehrawat.
The defections come at a crucial juncture as Delhi gears up for elections, intensifying the political rivalry between AAP, BJP, and the Congress. AAP, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been at the helm in Delhi, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, and public services. The party's efforts now face the challenge of retaining support amid these defections.
This is not the first instance of AAP members crossing over to the BJP recently. Last week, several other leaders and members of AAP switched allegiance, including Kapil Naagar, a two-time contender from the Kamla Nagar ward of Model Town Legislative Assembly, along with over 100 party workers.
In tandem with these defections, BJP has intensified its campaign with the release of the second part of its manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra'. Led by former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, the manifesto promises extensive reforms, including free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels in government institutions for needy students. It also pledges financial assistance for students preparing for competitive exams and stipends for Scheduled Caste students pursuing technical courses.
Furthermore, the manifesto outlines initiatives such as the establishment of welfare boards for auto-taxi drivers and domestic workers, providing substantial insurance coverage.
As Delhi braces for the upcoming elections, the political landscape is witnessing rapid shifts and alliances. AAP's loss of key leaders to BJP signifies a significant challenge for the incumbent party, while BJP aims to capitalize on these defections and consolidate its position in the capital. The electorate now faces a crucial decision amidst these developments, which are set to influence the electoral dynamics in the days to come.
Leave Your Comment