The political showdown between the BJP and AAP is escalating as Delhi braces for its upcoming Assembly elections, with the rhetoric between the two parties becoming increasingly charged. On Thursday, the BJP took its attacks a step further by releasing a poster titled Scam 2024, clearly modeled after the popular OTT series Scam 1992, which chronicled the infamous stock market fraud perpetrated by Harshad Mehta. The poster accused AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating widespread voter list manipulation, labeling him as a "big fraud."
The BJP alleged that a significant number of fake voter registrations had been created under Kejriwal's directive, particularly from what they referred to as a "specific community." According to the party, these fraudulent entries were made using residential addresses without the knowledge of the homeowners, raising serious questions about the integrity of the voter lists. The party claimed that the ages of these newly added "voters" ranged from 40 to 80 years, suggesting deliberate tampering to skew electoral outcomes. In a scathing statement accompanying the poster, the BJP accused Kejriwal of attempting to "save power by rigging votes" and declared that he "loves fake votes" as a means to hold onto his position of power.
Not one to back down, AAP quickly responded with a poster of its own, portraying Kejriwal as the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time). The accompanying motion video celebrated Kejriwal’s tenure as a visionary leader, juxtaposing scenes of government schools and hospitals in the background to emphasize the party’s achievements in transforming public services. Styled in a cinematic manner, the video drew inspiration from Tamil superstar Vijay's film G.O.A.T., presenting Kejriwal as a champion of progress and a leader dedicated to the welfare of Delhi's citizens.
This is not the first time the BJP has targeted Kejriwal with theatrics. Earlier in the week, the party released another satirical poster, mocking him as a “chunavi Hindu” (Hindu for elections). The image depicted Kejriwal in an exaggerated, priest-like avatar reminiscent of actor Rajpal Yadav’s character in the Bollywood movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Draped in rudraksha beads, and flower garlands, and smeared with vermilion, the image accused Kejriwal of religious opportunism. The BJP’s criticism was aimed at his recent promise to pay temple priests and gurdwara granthis Rs 18,000 per month, alleging that such announcements were nothing more than election gimmicks to sway religious voters.
AAP, however, has consistently dismissed these allegations, countering that the BJP's attacks are an attempt to divert attention from its own lackluster governance and failure to address critical issues in Delhi. The party has defended its record by highlighting its transformative work in healthcare, education, and public infrastructure, which it argues are the cornerstone of Kejriwal's administration and the reason for its enduring popularity among Delhi's voters.
The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, expected to take place before February, are critical for both parties. AAP seeks to retain its hold on the capital, where it has enjoyed significant electoral success over the last two terms. For the BJP, the elections represent an opportunity to make inroads into a region where it has struggled to establish dominance. With 70 Assembly seats at stake, both parties are pulling out all the stops to sway voters, leaving no stone unturned in their campaigns.
The intensifying war of words and the dramatic use of visuals and satire underscore the deeply polarized nature of the political landscape in Delhi. While the BJP has doubled down on its allegations of voter fraud and corruption, AAP has chosen to focus on its governance achievements, framing itself as a party that prioritizes the welfare of common citizens. As election day draws closer, the political drama is expected to reach new heights, with both parties vying to capture the narrative and secure the trust of Delhi's electorate.
