Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has recently criticized the Congress party and its top leaders, especially the Gandhi family. Speaking to party MLAs and councillors on August 28 at Delhi’s Constitution Club, Kejriwal claimed there is a hidden connection between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. He argued that if this were not true, the Gandhi family would have faced arrest in the National Herald case. His comments highlight AAP’s growing focus on distinguishing itself from Congress while preparing for upcoming elections.
In Delhi’s recent assembly elections, both AAP and Congress, though part of the INDIA bloc, contested separately. Kejriwal’s party claimed that Congress hurt its chances by questioning his image as the “common man,” a key element of AAP’s political identity. During the campaign, AAP even included Rahul Gandhi in social media posts about dishonest politicians, which angered Congress leaders. The attack on Congress is now part of a broader strategy, as AAP seeks to retain influence in Punjab, where the BJP is weak but Congress remains the main competitor.
AAP’s shift in strategy comes after setbacks in both Delhi and Punjab. Last year, AAP joined the INDIA bloc to oppose BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The alliance, however, failed: in Delhi, AAP did not win any seats against BJP, while in Punjab, it secured only three out of 13 seats, compared to Congress’s seven. Later, AAP lost power in Delhi, its stronghold since 2015. These losses forced the party to reconsider its political approach, turning attention to Punjab, where Congress remains the main challenger. In July, AAP announced its decision to leave the INDIA bloc, signaling a move to reassert its independent identity and position itself as a national alternative to both BJP and Congress.
Kejriwal’s focus on Congress’s alleged corruption, including the National Herald and 2G spectrum cases, is designed to show voters that Congress is not a credible opposition. By highlighting the Gandhi family’s legal troubles, AAP aims to weaken Congress’s image as the main alternative to BJP. At the same time, Kejriwal appeals to BJP supporters disillusioned with the party, suggesting that the saffron party has failed to address corruption by Congress leaders.
In addition, AAP’s political positioning seeks to attract voters from different sections of society. Its right-leaning stance on religion and culture may draw support from disillusioned BJP followers, while its opposition to BJP policies can appeal to religious minorities. This dual strategy aims to broaden AAP’s voter base while establishing it as a national political force beyond Delhi.
Kejriwal’s strategy also reflects the challenges of leadership within AAP. Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a prominent opposition figure, creating competition for national recognition. By attacking Congress, Kejriwal positions himself as an alternative opposition leader with credibility, reminding voters that his party has fought corruption at home while highlighting Congress’s alleged failings.
The upcoming Punjab elections are crucial for AAP’s future. Beyond Punjab, elections in Goa and Gujarat in 2027 will also test the party’s ability to compete with both Congress and BJP. In these states, AAP must build credibility as an independent alternative, not merely a regional player. Highlighting Congress’s weaknesses and presenting itself as a clean, accountable option is central to this effort.
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AAP’s focus on anti-Congress messaging serves several purposes. First, it reminds voters of Congress’s corruption allegations, reinforcing AAP’s image as a party of integrity. Second, it attempts to attract BJP supporters dissatisfied with their party’s performance. Third, it distinguishes AAP as a national alternative in a political landscape dominated by the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc.
Despite this, AAP faces challenges in creating its own political space. The party’s defeat in Delhi exposed vulnerabilities in its governance model and voter base. In Punjab, growing scrutiny of AAP’s administration will test the party’s claims of effective and honest governance. Success depends on convincing voters that AAP offers a credible alternative to both Congress and BJP, while maintaining its distinct political identity.
In summary, Kejriwal’s attack on Congress and the Gandhi family is part of a broader strategy to strengthen AAP’s political position. By emphasizing alleged corruption within Congress, appealing to disillusioned BJP supporters, and preparing for crucial state elections, AAP seeks to emerge as a credible national alternative. The party’s ability to retain voter confidence in Punjab and expand influence elsewhere will determine whether it can successfully navigate India’s polarized political landscape.
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