The emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal was seen as the turning point in Indian politics by many experts. The party with its focus on fighting corruption, good governance, and the needs of the common man came to power in Delhi, Punjab, and is now seen as a formidable alternative to the BJP ruled central government.
However, there have been times when the party has miserably failed to deliver. Let us look at 5 such instances:
1. Electricity policy:
Though reducing electricity bills by half was one of the biggest successes of the party, there are loopholes in its policy. By not allowing power distribution companies to compete, residents do not have the freedom to choose their electricity provider. Also, during its tenure, AAP did not build any new power station as promised. Delhi did not become a ‘solar city’ and the government’s vision of switching to renewable energy remained a dream.
2. Business and Employment:
The AAP government had launched a DVAT MSewa app to reduce license raj in Delhi and also passed resolutions against 100% FDI in retail. Delhi slipped in ease of doing business rankings from 15 in 2015 to 23 in 2017. Although the government raised minimum wages significantly, it was not able to generate employment as promised. According to an RTI file, only 214 out of the promised 8 lakh jobs were created.
AAP GOVT FAILURE????
Action taken by Delhi Govt has been found to be inaugurated & poor on most points of the action plan. #LetsSaveDelhi pic.twitter.com/t5gGHyAz0t— Ajay Kushwaha 🇮🇳 (@AjayKushwaha_) November 6, 2016
3. Pollution:
Under AAP, the Delhi government increased the number of auto-rickshaw and also provided subsidies for e-rickshaws.To reduce pollution in Delhi, the government took some steps like launching the odd-even scheme and introducing a pollution controlling tower. However, the government was not able to improve the situation on the ground as Delhi remained one of the most polluted cities in the world.
The AAP govt in Punjab first reduced the security of 424 individuals.
Then they made the list public.
Later, a promising leader & rising talent, Shri Sidhu Moose Wala was murdered in broad daylight.
This is the story of AAP's deadly politics. #ResignBhagwantMann pic.twitter.com/xFQVrVrQjC
— Congress (@INCIndia) May 30, 2022
4. Waste Management and Sanitation:
Although waste to energy plants were installed in Ghazipur landfill, the garbage piles up as high as Qutab Minar. The party had also promised to build 2,00,000 toilets. However, AAP itself confirmed to have built only 22,000 community toilets.
#AAP government fails to trace missing 1984 #Sikhriots filehttps://t.co/PrRGKhd4eZ pic.twitter.com/bCCJTPzWs1
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 22, 2016
5. Law and Order:
This is perhaps the biggest challenge and weakness of the Aam Admi Party. On Sunday, the AAP-ruled government in Punjab withdrew security forces for over 400 at-risk individuals with an aim to end the ‘VIP culture’. However, the party had to face widespread criticism from the opposition as well as the public when famous singer Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead the next day. The Chandigarh High Court has asked the Punjab government why the names of those who had lost their security details were leaked on social media and elsewhere.
References: India Today, Times of India
Featured Image Source: OpIndia
