Kejriwal to AAP Cadre After Haryana Poll Setback: ‘Never Be Overconfident’

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal delivered a sobering message to his party workers on Tuesday following the party’s dismal performance in the Haryana Assembly elections. Addressing AAP cadres, Kejriwal emphasized the need for caution and hard work in upcoming elections, urging them to avoid complacency after the party failed to secure a single seat in Haryana.

“Elections are approaching. Elections should not be taken lightly. The biggest lesson from today’s election is to never be overconfident. Every election, every seat is tough. We need to work hard. There should be no infighting,” said the former Delhi Chief Minister, reflecting on the disappointing results.

Kejriwal also reminded the party’s Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) members of their responsibility in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. He stressed the importance of addressing key civic issues that resonate with the public. “In this election, your role will be the most important because we are in the MCD. The public expects basic things, like cleanliness. We need to ensure that cleanliness is maintained in our respective areas. If this is done, we will surely win the elections…Our main goal should be to win the elections,” he added.

The AAP’s performance in Kejriwal’s home state of Haryana was especially disappointing, with the party registering a mere 1.73% vote share according to the Election Commission’s latest data. The BJP, on the other hand, dominated the polls, securing victories in Kharkhauda and Jind and leading in 46 other seats, marking their third consecutive term in the state.

The Congress, which had hoped to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP, won two seats and was leading on 35 others. However, their efforts were hampered by failed pre-poll alliance talks with AAP.

Despite Kejriwal’s bold claims during his campaign that no government could be formed in Haryana without AAP’s support, the party’s failure to make inroads in the state highlighted the gap between rhetoric and electoral outcomes. Speaking at a rally in Charkhi Dadri, Kejriwal had promised significant reforms, saying, “Whatever the result of Haryana, the key to power will be in the hands of Arvind Kejriwal. Our priority is to have electricity, water, education, and health facilities here. Women should get ₹1000 per month, and people should get free electricity.”

However, the election results have shown that AAP has a long way to go in Haryana. With Kejriwal now urging his party to refocus on the basics, it remains to be seen how AAP will prepare for future electoral battles.