AAP not only survived the BJP attack on its leaders but has successfully used it to its advantage
Aam Aadmi party has once again proved that it is not the one that can be cowed down easily. The BJP once again employed investigative agencies to tame its political rival.The CBI inquiry ordered by Delhi LG to probe alleged corruption in AAP’s liquor policy was a smart move though, did not work. AAP has successfully projected itself as a victim of the Modi government. The CBI raided Manish Sisodia the number two man in the AAP dispensation to uncover alleged irregularities and corruption in Delhi's controversial excise policy. The campaign had begun with Satyendra Jain and next in line was Manish Sisodia who happens to be excise minister of Delhi. A spectacle was made out of it sending the message across that there was high level wheeling dealing in distributing liquor licenses and corruption that went to the top most level to the party.But what happened next was not what the BJP had planned. Not only did Kejriwal and his party survived but emerged stronger by playing victim card and deflecting the liquor issue successfully.
AAP must get the credit for dexterity it showed. It not only handled it well, not wilting but also using it to its advantage by playing the victim card, showcasing its achievements published in New York Times and creating the perception that the BJP was out to topple its government by buying its MLA. It turned out that the BJP was no match to AAP’s counter attack. It had no clue and played into the hands of Kejriwal. They tried to discredit NYT report which fell flat, the raids have been by and large unsuccessful if they found anything it is at least not made public. Thereafter AAP went for the final assault saying BJP was poaching its MLAs and made offer to at least 12 of them inclining Sisodia with Rs 20 crores. People lapped it too as the Maharashtra is still fresh in the memory and completely ignored the liquor issue. The BJP knows AAP can upset its apple cart in the apple state of Himachal Pradesh and PM's home state Gujarat where elections are due shortly so needs to be reined in. But for now in the round one Kejriwal wins hands down and the BJP is left licking its wounds. Definitely round two would begin soon. But for that the BJP would have to do a lot of homework. AAP has created a perception that the BJP has unleashed Operation Lotus in Delhi, and went on to Rajghat to pray to hammer its message. In politics messaging and the messenger matter most.