The 2025 Delhi assembly elections are of special significance, given that the future of the Aam Aadmi Party, a unique experiment in democratic politics, is at stake. The question is whether, in public perception, the party has lived up to its promise of alternative politics based on transparency, accountability and swarajya.

AAP is not the first party to have sprung from a social movement for political change, the Nav Nirman Andolan of 1973 is a case in point, but it was the first to have technological tools at its disposal. Digital engagement and social networks were a critical determinant in AAP’s initial success and growth. It was able to create a solid and sustainable organisation, leveraging technology for political mobilisation.

From the start, AAP positioned itself in contrast to established political parties by foregrounding participatory decision-making. To cite the party’s 2014 manifesto: “We believe that decision-making power resides with the people and should be exercised directly by them. In our vision of Swaraj, every citizen of India would be able to participate in decisions that affect their lives.” The overarching message was that ‘the people’ could no longer be taken for granted.

AAP’s revolutionary aspect inspired the educated middle-class youth; even NRI volunteers joined its cadres. In the words of founder-member Yogendra Yadav, it promised to connect politics “to grassroots issues, struggles and movements.” From the moment Kejriwal &........

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