AAP sweeps Delhi, BJP admits defeat |
In a stunning election in Indian and perhaps global history, India`s capital, Delhi, has chosen the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by activist Arvind Kejriwal in the election results out February 10. Of the 70 seats, AAP won a record 67, with only 3 seats going to the national ruling party BJP of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kejriwal was projected to win with perhaps as many as 50 seats, but the record victory has established a new era by Indian voters who seem quickly frustrated and equally ready to sweep in and out the change. Modi had brought in former top police officer and woman Kiran Bedi as his candidate for the Chief Minister. Kiran Bedi was defeated and hinted she may perhaps never return to politics. Modi demonstrated statesmanship and called Kejriwal on the phone to congratulate him, with the promise to work together for Delhi`s development. Kejriwal thanked Modi and asked for a meeting at the earliest. Modi has invited him for discussions over tea. Kejriwal will be sworn-in as Chief Minister on February 14, Valentine`s Day, at the Ramlila Maidan in front of the Red Fort in Old Delhi where he had protested for days in the early part of his movement against corruption. Kejriwal thanked the masses of Delhi who delivered a massive mandate with 70% turnout and 60% in his party favor. The biggest loss was for the historic Congress Party that failed to secure even a seat in the city that it ruled continuously for 3 terms or 15 years until 2013 November. Kejriwal`s mentor the septugenarian Anna Hazare cautioned Kejriwal and told him to become mellow and focus on delivering results. Kejriwal seems to have won the hearts of the urban poor and middle class with the promise of free education and water, cheap electricity, roads, jobs and health for all. For a city with a 23-million population as big as some countries, AAP and Kejriwal faces a Herculean task. Promised 5 years with a decisive mandate, Kejriwal cannot assign blame for inaction or not delivering.
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