Delhi elections 2013: AAP the X-factor, emerges as a big phenomenon

NEW DELHI: Despite being downplayed by both Congress and BJP, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday emerged as the pivotal factor in the Delhi state assembly elections. With the early trends showing over 25 seats being won by AAP, the party has given a tough fight to BJP, which is just short of getting a majority.

Arvind Kejriwal, the face of AAP looked set to defeat the Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in the New Delhi constituency. Dikshit conceded her defeat and sent her resignation to the Lt Governor. "We accept the verdict of people. We will have to see where we went wrong," she said. "I thank the people of Delhi for choosing Congress for 15 years," she added.

Most political analysts have acknowledged the emergence of AAP. Dilip Padgaonkar, Consulting Editor of Times of India said, "AAP has stolen the traditional vote bank of the Congress. AAP is coming up with a different kind of rainbow coalition."

Swaminathan Aiyar, Consulting Editor at ET Now said, "Aam Aadmi party may eat into BJP's vote share in 2014 polls. AAP has potential to become a national party for 2014 polls."

Mohandas Pai was of the opinion that 'young people have come out and voted'. "Young people will be the swing factor. Urban discontent in Delhi is very high," he said. "In any metro, parties like AAP will be able to get votes," Pai added.

Meanwhile, with AAP leading in a number of constituencies in Delhi, Anna Hazare said Arvind Kejriwal could become chief minister one day and warned Congress that people will teach a lesson to it in the Lok Sabha elections.

Hazare, who had refused to campaign for Kejriwal's party, expressed happiness over AAP's performance in the Delhi elections where Sheila Dikshit has served as Chief Minister for 15 years.

"Definitely. Delhi is the Centre of politics of country's politics. It is not an easy task to defeat a government which is ruling there with just a broom in hand.

"The old parties have a lot of money. I feel happy that in such a situation, his party has emerged victorious and got 24 seats," Hazare told reporters when asked about AAP's performance