AAP leader’s absence in key Muslim areas raises questions; Community members express disappointment over lack of outreach
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — As Delhi gears up for the upcoming elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been on a whirlwind campaign, holding over 100 public meetings and roadshows since stepping down from his post. However, a closer look at his campaign trail reveals a noticeable absence in constituencies with significant Muslim voter bases, sparking criticism and raising questions about the party’s outreach to the community.
Constituencies such as Okhla, Ballimaran, Seelampur, Mustafabad, Matia Mahal, and Babarpur — where Muslim voters make up 30% to 60% of the electorate — have reportedly seen little to no visits from Kejriwal. Social media posts from AAP, which typically document the leader’s campaign activities, also show no mention of these areas. This has led to accusations that Kejriwal and AAP are treating Muslim voters as “political untouchables.”
“He considers Muslims as political untouchables. So untouchable that he doesn’t even like to go and ask for votes from them,” said a critic of the party. “If anyone can prove me wrong with evidence, I will apologise and acknowledge how many of his 100 meetings were held in Muslim-dominated areas.”
Lack of Engagement in Muslim-Dominated Areas?
The lack of engagement has not gone unnoticed by community members, who feel sidelined in the political process. Saquib, a local resident, voiced his frustration, stating, “If you are not a Muslim, you will never understand the pain that the Muslims of this country have suffered, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the disaster, Muslims also faced economic and social boycotts. Who sowed the seeds of this? Till date, there has been no apology or even regret expressed, not even a deleted tweet.”
The criticism comes at a time when political parties are vying for support across all demographics in Delhi. While AAP has positioned itself as a party for the common man, its perceived neglect of Muslim-dominated constituencies has left many questioning its commitment to inclusive politics.
AAP’s Stance on Muslim Voters
When approached for comment, AAP representatives did not provide specific details about Kejriwal’s visits to these areas. However, party insiders have defended their campaign strategy, emphasising that their focus remains on addressing issues that affect all Delhi residents, regardless of religion.
While AAP has historically positioned itself as an inclusive party, critics argue that its current election strategy raises doubts about its commitment to Muslim voters. Local political analysts suggest that the party’s focus on consolidating a broader voter base may be leading to an apparent disengagement from communities that were once considered core supporters.
With elections approaching, the question remains: Will Kejriwal and AAP make a concerted effort to connect with Muslim voters, or will the community’s concerns continue to go unaddressed? For now, the absence of the AAP leader in these key constituencies speaks volumes, leaving many to wonder if their voices will be heard in this electoral battle.
“We are not asking for special treatment,” said a resident of Seelampur. “We just want to feel like we matter too.”
The ball is now in AAP’s court to prove otherwise.
