Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: How will Kejriwal's release affect AAP's performance?

With the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 approaching, political discussions have intensified, particularly around the key contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the primary opposition, Congress. However, parties like Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alongside independent candidates, are also expected to play significant roles. The recent release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from legal proceedings adds a new dimension to the unfolding political scenario in Haryana.

Political Landscape in Haryana

The political battle in Haryana has historically been dominated by the BJP and Congress. However, if neither party secures a majority, smaller players like JJP, INLD, and AAP may become crucial in forming the next government. 

In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, AAP contested 46 seats but failed to win a single one. Similarly, in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party garnered only 3.94% of the total vote share in Haryana. Despite these setbacks, AAP remains hopeful about its prospects in the upcoming elections, with the party banking heavily on Kejriwal’s influence and leadership.

AAP will fight Haryana elections with full force: Party leaders

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has become active regarding the Haryana assembly elections as soon as he came out of Tihar Jail. He called a meeting of senior leaders of Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday evening. In which the elections to be held in the state were discussed. After the end of this meeting, the leaders have claimed that AAP will fight the Haryana elections with full force.

Aam Aadmi Party's National General Secretary (Organization) Sandeep Pathak has given information about this. He told that Arvind Kejriwal had called a meeting of all the senior leaders of Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday. In this, there was a detailed discussion mainly about Haryana elections. The CM discussed about each assembly seat and after this a strategy has been prepared for the upcoming elections. The AAP leader said that in the coming days the party will run an election campaign in Haryana and this time we will contest the Haryana assembly elections with full force.

Kejriwal’s wife already campaigning in Haryana

Arvind Kejriwal’s campaign strategy is now gaining attention after his release. His wife had already begun campaigning in Haryana, emphasizing Kejriwal's Haryana roots. This approach appears to be part of a broader effort by AAP to connect with local voters and challenge both the BJP and Congress.

Initially, AAP sought an alliance with Congress, asking for 10 seats in the negotiations, though Congress only offered five. These discussions did not culminate in a partnership, leading AAP to field candidates across all 90 seats in Haryana. Despite this broad presence, the party faces a challenging road ahead, given its limited voter base in the state.

Enthusiasm Around Kejriwal’s Return

The release of Arvind Kejriwal is expected to inject new energy into AAP's campaign efforts. Before his legal troubles, the party had planned between 360 to 380 rallies for Kejriwal across the state. However, with time constraints, it’s likely that fewer rallies will be held. Even so, Kejriwal is expected to be a key figure in the remaining campaign events. His ability to mobilize youth and farmers is seen as crucial, as these groups form an important part of Haryana’s electorate.

Kejriwal’s recent support of disgruntled leaders from both Congress and BJP further adds to AAP’s potential strength. These leaders, disillusioned with their former parties, may bring local influence that could improve AAP's chances in key constituencies.

Kejriwal likely to focus on agriculture, unemployment and public service

Arvind Kejriwal’s influence extends beyond Delhi, and his connection to Haryana could provide AAP with the boost it needs. Kejriwal has built a reputation as a reformist leader, and his governance in Delhi, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare, may resonate with certain sections of Haryana’s voters. His campaign will likely focus on connecting with these voters by addressing issues relevant to the state, such as agriculture, unemployment, and public services.

While Kejriwal’s campaigns in past elections, such as the Lok Sabha polls, did not lead to significant electoral gains for AAP in Haryana, his role as the party’s star campaigner remains crucial. His return to the campaign trail is expected to attract media attention and potentially sway undecided voters.

 

AAP hoping to capitalize on Kejriwal’s popularity

While AAP’s electoral prospects in Haryana remain uncertain, Arvind Kejriwal’s release from legal proceedings has revitalized the party’s campaign. His leadership and influence, particularly among youth and farmers, could improve AAP’s performance in the upcoming elections. However, given the strong presence of both Congress and BJP in the state, AAP will need to overcome significant challenges to make a meaningful impact.

The 2024 Haryana Assembly elections are shaping up to be a dynamic contest, with AAP hoping to capitalize on Kejriwal’s popularity and the discontent within the ranks of Congress and BJP. Whether this will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but Kejriwal’s presence on the campaign trail will certainly be a factor to watch.