MCD bypoll: This is the beginning of the end of AAP’s politics of arrogance, says Satish Upadhyay

We see the results as the beginning of the end of the politics of arrogance, anarchy and lies in Delhi. After getting over 52 per cent votes in the assembly elections, AAP had become arrogant and the people of Delhi did not like that. The rejection of AAP is evident in the fall in their voteshare in areas where they had won during the assembly polls.

WATCH VIDEO | Breaking Down The MCD Bypoll Results: AAP Wins In 5 Wards, Congress In 5

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BJP leaders had thought this time the Congress would perform better, make a dent in AAP’s voteshare and benefit BJP, but it seems that calculation has misfired. The Congress has done better but that has not translated into more wins for you.

There is some disappointment over the number of seats we have won but we are glad that AAP has not done well… it had claimed that the party would win all 13 seats. At least our voteshare was the highest… this means people have confidence in us.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. But in this case, BJP leaders seem to be happy that the Congress has made a comeback as it has made a dent in AAP’ s voteshare.

It is always good to have contemporary, mainstream parties in power which have a historical past. It is very necessary to have a healthy opposition. Anarchist and unruly elements — which stoop low — are being rejected by the people. Our main political rival is the Congress.

Do you think the 2017 municipal polls will have a similar outcome?

It is too early to talk about the municipal polls. There will be a lot of factors at play like delimitation and exposing AAP for what it is. We will also introspect on why we lost the seats we did.