Once upon a time, in the heart of the Indian subcontinent, stood a city whose history spanned centuries, with tales woven into its very fabric. This city was none other than Delhi, a land that had witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the triumphs of great rulers, and the struggles of its people.
Thus the city who has seen it all, been the center of attention since the beginning of time - the Sultanate Era, from Maurya’s to Mughals , the rule of the British, the struggle for independence to now coming in the limelight now for its shifting power and dynamics. The state has really seen it all.
Delhi and politics have a deep and intertwined relationship, owing to the city's status as the capital of India. As the political epicenter of the country, Delhi plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's political landscape. It holds immense political importance as it houses the President, Prime Minister, Parliament, and numerous government offices. It serves as the administrative nerve centre of the country, influencing policy decisions and governance at the national level. The political landscape is marked by the presence of various political parties. National parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) compete with regional parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and others. The city's diverse electorate leads to a multi-cornered contest in elections.
Talking about all these politics and parties; Amidst the complex political landscape, a new political movement emerged – the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Born from the heart of Delhi, it vowed to bring transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance. Like a fresh breeze, the AAP's leader Arvind Kejriwal inspired hope in the hearts of the common people.
The 2015 Delhi Assembly elections became the stage for a political spectacle. The traditional giants, the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, faced a formidable contender in the AAP. The city was painted in hues of blue, saffron, and green, as campaigns swept through its neighborhoods. Election day arrived, and the city held its breath. As the ballots were counted, it became evident that the people of Delhi had chosen change. The AAP secured a resounding victory, scripting a historic moment in the city's political history.
Thus the victory shows how Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and identities. It has a large migrant population, consisting of people from different parts of India. And in order to cater to this demographic mix and political dynamics, the parties try to appeal to the interests of various communities not leaning towards one, all seeking the unity in diversity. Though Delhi has witnessed frequent swings in electoral outcomes, with voters frequently shifting their support between different parties. This volatility can be attributed to a mix of local issues, national trends, and the charisma of individual leaders from time to time. Given this diversity of political parties and ideologies, forming stable governments in Delhi can be challenging. Coalition politics has been a recurrent feature in the state's history, leading to shifting alliances and political maneuvers.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Being a Union Territory with a special status, distinct from other states in India, it has its own elected government, known as the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and a Chief Minister. However, certain matters, such as law and order and land, come under the purview of the Central Government, creating a unique power-sharing arrangement. And why not? the towering glass and steel structures of corporate headquarters stand tall in the state, representing the booming service sector. The city has become a magnet for technology companies, finance firms, and multinational corporations. Each day, professionals in sleek suits and busy office-goers rushed through the streets, fueled by ambition and innovation. Delhi's services hub was a key player in India's economic growth, opening doors to new opportunities and driving the nation's progress. Delhi's large consumer market and the availability of skilled labour have also attracted foreign investment. Delhi contributes 4.94% to the total GDP of the country.
Delhi's politics often revolves around local issues such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, transportation, pollution, and law and order. However, it is not always a bed of roses; there are problems such as corruption, law and order, unplanned urbanization, congestion, pollution etc. The credit or imprecation, whatsoever is there for this story goes to the Aam Aadmi Party. The AAP gained significant popularity in a short span and made its political debut in the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections in 2013. To the surprise of many, the AAP secured 28 out of 70 seats, emerging as the second-largest party. And later in the In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP won a landslide victory, securing an impressive 67 out of 70 seats, giving them a clear mandate to govern the state.
Though Delhi has in store a lot of untold stories, the recent turn in the take is the AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal recently alleged there are talks that the Centre may dissolve Delhi Assembly and convert the city into a full Union territory, adding that any such move will face stiff resistance from residents. Speaking in the Delhi Assembly on the second day of the monsoon session, he claimed there are talks that there will be no elections here. "There are talks that they (BJP) will convert Delhi into a full Union Territory (UT) and there will be no next elections. By hating Kejriwal, you have started hating the country," Arvind Kejriwal said to BJP MLAs in the House.
In order to see what the future has in store for Delhi, we’ll have to wait and see. Will this struggle for rule and power from one hand to another ever end? Only time will tell.
As the city marches forward, the echoes of its history resonate through the bustling streets, reminding its inhabitants and visitors alike of the timeless journey that Delhi has undertaken – a journey of resilience, triumphs, and the unyielding spirit of a city that has stood the test of time.