Kejriwal’s image was dented because of liquor and money scams: Anna Hazare

Political leaders and activists discuss AAP's defeat in Delhi Assembly election, highlighting character, image, and opposition challenges.

Several political leaders and activists spoke about the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat in the Delhi Assembly election results on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Delhi election results 2025 LIVE

Social activist Anna Hazare said, “I have been saying it for a long that while contesting the election - the candidate must have a character, good ideas and have no dent on image. But, they (AAP) didn’t get that. They got tangled in liquor and money - his (Arvind Kejriwal) image was dented because of it and that’s why they are getting fewer votes in the election... People saw that he (Arvind Kejriwal) talks about character but gets involved in liquor... In politics, allegations are made. One has to prove that he is not guilty. The truth will remain the truth. When a meeting was held, I decided that I would not be part of the party - and I have remained away from that day...”

In a post on X, Swaraj India National President Yogendra Yadav said, “A moral shattering defeat for AAP in Delhi is not a moment for vicarious pleasure, as it helps the BJP in its quest for ‘total dominance’. It’s a setback for all those who hoped for alternative politics from this experiment. It’s a setback for the entire opposition. It teaches us that welfare policies are necessary but not sufficient, that anti-corruption crusaders have to be extra vigilant about their own image, that you cannot defeat the BJP by copying its ideology.“

Speaking to the media, Mr. Yadav said, “The result is a setback to not only AAP but also for those who started with the party 10-12 years ago as a new alternative to politics. It is also a setback for the Opposition. The defeat of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia is a big setback and poses questions on the future of AAP.”

Former AAP leader & poet Kumar Vishwas says, “I congratulate the BJP for the victory and I hope that they’ll work for the people of Delhi... I have no sympathy for a man who crushed the dreams of AAP party workers. Delhi is now free from him. He used those dreams for his personal ambitions. Today, justice has been delivered. When we got the news of Manish Sisodia losing from Jangpura - my wife who is apolitical cried...”

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi conceded defeat, calling it a “setback” but vowing to continue the party’s struggle against the BJP. The BJP staged a thumping comeback in Delhi after more than 26 years on Saturday (February 8, 2025). The party is set to end its 27-year drought in Delhi as the party was headed for a nearly two-thirds majority.