The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), once seen as an unshakable political force in Delhi, faced a significant setback in the recent elections. Two major controversies—the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ bungalow row and the Delhi liquor policy scam—are believed to have severely damaged the party’s credibility, leading to voter dissatisfaction.
1. The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal came under fire over the alleged extravagant renovation of his official residence, dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ (Glass Palace).
🔹 Reports claimed that the renovation cost over ₹45 crore, sparking criticism over misuse of public funds.
🔹 Lavish spending on expensive marble, designer interiors, and luxury fittings stood in stark contrast to AAP’s "common man" image.
🔹 The controversy provided political rivals, especially the BJP, with ammunition to accuse AAP of hypocrisy and opulence.
2. The Delhi Liquor Policy Scam
Another major setback for AAP was the Delhi excise policy controversy, which led to arrests of key party leaders.
🔹 The Excise Policy 2021-22, introduced by the Delhi government, was scrapped amid corruption allegations.
🔹 The CBI and ED launched investigations, claiming that liquor vendors were given undue benefits in exchange for kickbacks.
🔹 Several AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia, were arrested, further denting the party’s image.
Impact on Delhi Elections
📉 Loss of Public Trust: Many voters felt AAP had deviated from its anti-corruption stance, leading to dissatisfaction.
⚖ Legal Battles Weakened Leadership: The arrests and investigations kept AAP leaders occupied with legal defenses, limiting their focus on election campaigns.
🎭 Opposition’s Aggressive Attack: The BJP and Congress capitalized on these scandals, portraying AAP as a party no different from traditional corrupt politics.
What’s Next for AAP?
The back-to-back controversies have put AAP in a tough position ahead of future elections. While Kejriwal continues to defend his party, rebuilding public trust will require transparent governance, damage control, and regaining the confidence of the electorate.
Final Thoughts
From the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ row to the liquor policy scam, AAP has been hit by a double political storm. Once hailed as a clean and transparent party, these allegations have shaken its core support base, making the road ahead challenging for Kejriwal and his leadership.
