The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has initiated a poster campaign in Delhi targeting Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, drawing a controversial comparison between him and the fictional character Ghajini, known for his short-term memory loss. The campaign, which began on October 15, 2023, aims to highlight what AAP officials describe as the Lieutenant Governor’s alleged failure to address pressing issues in the national capital.
The posters, which have been strategically placed across various locations in Delhi, depict Saxena alongside the tagline “Remember Ghajini? He forgot everything!” The campaign is part of AAP’s broader strategy to criticize the Lieutenant Governor’s governance and to rally public support against what they perceive as interference in the functioning of the Delhi government.
The backdrop of this campaign is rooted in ongoing tensions between the AAP-led Delhi government and the office of the Lieutenant Governor. The relationship has been fraught with conflict since AAP came to power in 2015, with disputes often centering around the distribution of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the central government. The Supreme Court of India has weighed in on this matter, ruling in 2021 that the Delhi government has legislative powers over matters in the state list, but the Lieutenant Governor retains certain powers, particularly in matters of public order and police.
The AAP has accused Saxena of overstepping his constitutional authority and undermining the elected government. The party claims that the Lieutenant Governor has delayed approvals for various welfare schemes and has interfered in the administration of the Delhi government. AAP leaders argue that these actions are detrimental to the citizens of Delhi, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The Ghajini reference is particularly poignant in Indian popular culture, as the character, portrayed by actor Aamir Khan in the 2008 film, suffers from a form of amnesia that prevents him from forming new memories. AAP’s use of this analogy suggests that they believe Saxena is neglecting his responsibilities and failing to remember the needs of the people of Delhi. The campaign is expected to resonate with voters who may feel frustrated with the ongoing political stalemate and the perceived lack of progress in governance.
Political analysts suggest that this campaign is a calculated move by AAP to galvanize public sentiment ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Delhi, scheduled for early 2024. The party is seeking to position itself as the defender of Delhi’s interests against what it describes as the central government’s attempts to undermine local governance. By framing Saxena as a figure of incompetence, AAP aims to consolidate its support base and attract undecided voters who may be disillusioned with the current political landscape.
The implications of this campaign extend beyond the immediate political context. It highlights the ongoing struggle for power and authority between the Delhi government and the central administration, which has significant implications for the governance of the national capital. The tensions between AAP and the Lieutenant Governor’s office reflect broader issues of federalism and the distribution of powers in India, particularly in union territories like Delhi, where the central government retains substantial control.
As the campaign unfolds, it is likely to draw responses from both the AAP and the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Saxena has previously defended his actions, stating that he is committed to ensuring good governance in Delhi and that his interventions are aimed at upholding the law and order situation in the city. The AAP’s portrayal of Saxena as a figure akin to Ghajini may provoke further political rhetoric and counter-campaigns from the Lieutenant Governor’s supporters.
In conclusion, the AAP’s poster campaign against Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena marks a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse in Delhi. By invoking the character of Ghajini, AAP seeks to underscore its narrative of governance challenges and to mobilize public sentiment ahead of crucial municipal elections. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this campaign will likely resonate throughout the upcoming electoral cycle and beyond, shaping the future of governance in the national capital.
