Several candidates are in the fray who have switched allegiances. It remains to be seen whether the gamble pays off for the parties that have placed their bets on these leaders
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In the run-up to the 2025 Delhi assembly elections, the term ‘turncoat’ is becoming synonymous with party hopping. A notable feature of this year’s elections is the increasing number of candidates who have switched allegiances, seeking fresh opportunities in new political parties. With 22 such candidates in the fray, the question arises: whose political boat will sail through, and whose will be left to capsize?
The trend of leaders switching sides in Delhi has reached new heights in this election cycle. Prominent politicians, once staunch members of Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and even the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have sought refuge in rival camps. Among the major names is former Congress minister Kailash Gehlot, who has joined the BJP, marking the most significant defection in this electoral season. Gehlot, now fielded by BJP for the Bijwasan seat, is joined by other influential leaders like Rajkumar Anand, Arvinder Singh Lovely, and Manish Chaudhary.
However, the BJP is not alone in its strategic moves; AAP has also embraced turncoats with open arms, fielding eight leaders who were previously associated with other parties. Among them are Jitendra Singh Shanti from Shahdara and Brahm Singh Tanwar from Chhatarpur, both have previously been part of the BJP and Congress. Congress, too, is joining the ranks of the turncoats, with candidates like Devendra Sehrawat from Bijwasan and Abdul Rehman from Seelampur, who have shifted allegiances from AAP to Congress.
The influx of defectors from multiple parties has made this election particularly unpredictable. While these moves have sparked curiosity and controversy, they have also led to strategic alliances designed to win key seats.
Despite the flurry of defections, the success of turncoats in Delhi’s political arena remains uncertain. In the 2020 assembly elections, BJP’s decision to field several turncoats, who had left AAP and Congress, proved to be a costly gamble. Of the 14 turncoats fielded by the party, only seven managed to secure seats in the assembly, with the majority of them being from AAP. The BJP candidates, however, faced crushing defeats.
Will the fortunes of turncoats be any different this time?
The answer is not straightforward. As seen in previous elections, turncoats often find themselves at odds with the electorate, who view them with suspicion. The political landscape of Delhi has evolved, and what worked in the past might not necessarily be successful now. In the 2020 elections, AAP was in a commanding position, with many turncoats who joined the party emerging victorious. On the other hand, BJP and Congress had to contend with widespread disillusionment, especially after the failure of their former members.
However, this year presents a different dynamic. AAP is not as dominant as it was in 2020, and the Congress party, despite its struggles, has managed to regain some footing. The elections are now shaping up to be a three-way contest, with BJP, AAP, and Congress all vying for power. This three-cornered contest could work in favour of turncoats who manage to secure a solid political equation. The ability to fit into the evolving dynamics of Delhi’s political scene could determine whether their boat will sail or sink.
Party switching is not a new phenomenon in Indian politics, and Delhi has often been a battleground for such defections. In the 2020 elections, the fate of turncoats was tied to the larger political fortunes of their respective parties. As the BJP faced an overwhelming defeat, the leaders it had fielded from other parties also suffered a similar fate. This raises the question of whether these leaders are merely pawns in a larger game or if their individual political futures can withstand the shifting tides.
While political allegiances may change, voters’ memories often do not. Turncoats are often seen as opportunists who lack loyalty to their previous parties. This perception can lead to distrust, making it difficult for such candidates to secure widespread support. On the other hand, some voters may see these defections as a sign of adaptability and foresight, particularly if the leaders have managed to win over their new party’s supporters.
This election is thus a test for both the turncoats and the parties that have placed their faith in them. The outcome will reveal whether shifting allegiances can indeed lead to victory or whether the voters will reject these political expedients.
Among the turncoats, Kailash Gehlot’s defection from Congress to BJP is perhaps the most significant. Gehlot, a former minister, had long been considered a key figure in Congress, and his departure has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. BJP hopes to capitalise on his influence and experience in the Bijwasan region. Similarly, Rajkumar Anand, Arvinder Singh Lovely, and Rajkumar Chauhan are expected to play crucial roles for the BJP, with the party hoping that these familiar faces will help bolster its chances in key constituencies.
AAP, too, has brought in leaders with considerable experience. Jitendra Singh Shanti from Shahdara and Brahm Singh Tanwar from Chhatarpur are both familiar faces who could turn the tide in favour of AAP. Despite their political history with rival parties, AAP has invested in these candidates, hoping to tap into their local popularity and political experience.
The inclusion of AAP leaders like Devendra Sehrawat and Abdul Rehman in Congress has added a new dimension to the race. While Congress has struggled in recent years, the party’s move to field turncoats could signal a renewed strategy to regain lost ground. The success of these candidates could be a litmus test for Congress’ revival in the capital.
While the focus remains on individual turncoats, the broader picture of shifting alliances is also worth considering. In Delhi’s political arena, alliances are often fluid, and candidates from different parties may be able to forge new relationships to secure victories. This is particularly important in a triangular contest, where every seat is crucial and political calculations are constantly in flux.
The role of leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi, who has fielded several turncoats, cannot be ignored. Owaisi’s AIMIM has a niche voter base, and his support for turncoats could provide them with a platform to challenge the dominance of the big three parties. Whether Owaisi’s strategy will bear fruit remains to be seen, but his influence could alter the dynamics in key constituencies.
As Delhi approaches its assembly elections, the focus is squarely on the turncoats and the political risk involved. With 22 defectors now in the fray, the stakes are high. Whether these leaders can make a successful transition and lead their new parties to victory will depend on a host of factors, including voter sentiment, party strategies, and political dynamics.
One thing is clear: the turncoat phenomenon is here to stay, and its impact on the Delhi elections could shape the future of the city’s politics. The question remains: will the political boats of these turncoats sail smoothly, or will they capsize under the weight of their past affiliations?
Only time will tell.
