NEW DELHI: Newly elected MLAs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) gathered with party leader Arvind Kejriwal at his residence on Sunday, shortly after the party encountered a significant defeat in the Delhi assembly election, securing only 22 out of the 70 seats it contested.
Following the meeting, Atishi, who won the election from Kalkaji, reported that Kejriwal instructed the MLAs to concentrate on serving their constituencies and to hold the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accountable for their election promises.
"Today, Arvind Kejriwal ji held a meeting with the 22 newly elected MLAs and urged them to prioritize their constituencies. He highlighted the responsibility to honor the people’s trust and address their issues. He also emphasized the importance of holding the BJP accountable for their pledges, such as providing ₹2,500 to women in Delhi by March 8, continuing free electricity, maintaining the quality of government schools, and ensuring free treatment in Mohalla Clinics and governmental hospitals. The AAP will guarantee that the BJP fulfill these commitments and continue the work accomplished over the last decade," Atishi told the news agency PTI.
Recognizing the Delhi mandate, Atishi remarked that the election was marred by "hooliganism" unprecedented in the historical context of Delhi.
"Currently, we are analyzing the reasons behind AAP’s loss, but we must respect the mandate of the people of Delhi. This election was conducted amidst significant hooliganism; such a situation has never arisen in Delhi’s history," Atishi stated.
She asserted that AAP would "assume the role of a constructive opposition."
"In an environment where money and liquor are being distributed freely, with police involvement witnessed in these distributions, anyone raising complaints ends up being incarcerated… Yet, we accept the mandate from the people of Delhi and will act as a constructive opposition," the former Chief Minister stated.
AAP leader Sanjeev Jha indicated that the party deliberated on future strategies during the meeting with Kejriwal.
"All party leaders met with Arvind Kejriwal today to discuss our future strategy. The BJP has pledged to provide ₹2,500 to every woman, and we will ensure that this decision is approved in their inaugural cabinet meeting," Jha mentioned.
Under Kejriwal’s leadership, AAP faced a significant defeat, with the former Delhi Chief Minister losing his seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma. The BJP clinched 48 seats, while AAP secured 22 in the 70-seat Delhi assembly election.
