Kapil Mishra’s Second Coming: How He Became BJP’s Delhi Minister After Leaving AAP

Kapil Mishra’s political resurgence is a story of reinvention and opportunity. After leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) under contentious circumstances, Mishra’s unexpected rise within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become a defining feature of his political journey. His appointment as a minister in the Delhi government in 2020 marked the culmination of a dramatic transformation from AAP loyalist to BJP minister, solidifying his position as a key player in Delhi politics.

Early Political Life: The AAP Connection

Kapil Mishra’s political roots can be traced back to the anti-corruption movement spearheaded by Anna Hazare in 2011. This movement gave birth to AAP, and Mishra, who had been an active participant, was among its founding members. Mishra’s political career gained traction within AAP, largely due to his commitment to the party’s core values—transparency, accountability, and an end to corruption.

After AAP’s overwhelming victory in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, Mishra was appointed as the Water Minister in the Delhi government. During his tenure, he earned praise for his work on improving Delhi’s water supply, reducing leakage, and initiating reforms in water management. His early successes in governance built his image as a capable and efficient leader within the party. However, as the party grew in power, Mishra began to experience friction with AAP’s leadership.

The Break: Mishra’s Accusations Against AAP Leadership

Mishra’s relationship with AAP took a dramatic turn in 2017 when he became openly critical of his party’s leadership, particularly Arvind Kejriwal. Mishra accused Kejriwal and other senior AAP leaders of being involved in corruption, particularly in the management of party funds. He made public allegations that AAP had received illegal donations and that Kejriwal had acted unethically in handling party finances.

This accusation was a turning point in Mishra’s career. AAP responded by expelling him from the party, and Mishra’s political future was uncertain. His claims, however, resonated with certain sections of the public, who began to view him as a whistleblower, someone willing to speak out against corruption even within his own party. On the other hand, AAP’s leadership and its supporters saw Mishra as a traitor, someone who had been disloyal to the party that had propelled him to prominence.

The Shift to BJP: A New Beginning

After his expulsion from AAP, Mishra’s political future appeared unclear. He had burned bridges with his former party, and many viewed him as a political outcast. However, in 2017, Mishra made the surprising decision to join BJP, a move that left many political observers puzzled.

Mishra’s entry into BJP came at a time when the party was looking to strengthen its presence in Delhi, particularly after AAP’s victory in the 2015 Delhi elections. Mishra’s decision to join BJP, despite his previous criticism of the party, was seen as a strategic move—one that could help him maintain his political relevance and gain influence in a party with a stronger national presence.

For Mishra, BJP represented a new platform to challenge AAP’s dominance in Delhi. The party’s ideological focus on nationalism, security, and governance resonated with Mishra, and he quickly embraced the BJP’s rhetoric. His vocal support for the BJP’s policies, especially on national security and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), helped him carve out a distinct identity within the party.

Mishra’s Rise Within BJP: From Critic to Minister

Kapil Mishra’s rise within the BJP was swift. As a member of the party, he became an outspoken critic of AAP, particularly focusing on exposing what he perceived as the failures and corruption within the party. His direct confrontations with Arvind Kejriwal and his aggressive rhetoric made him a polarizing figure, but it also earned him significant media attention. Mishra’s unflinching support for the BJP’s national agenda allowed him to build rapport with party leadership, and his combative approach to Delhi politics made him an important asset in the party’s efforts to challenge AAP’s hold on the capital.

In 2020, Mishra’s position within the BJP was further cemented when he was appointed as a Minister in the Delhi government. His elevation to a ministerial role was a clear sign of his growing importance within the party. As a minister, Mishra took charge of key portfolios such as law and order, security, and governance reform. His work in these areas was in line with the BJP’s broader agenda to project itself as a party of law and order, security, and national pride.

Mishra’s appointment also allowed him to directly confront AAP on issues that had been central to his own tenure as an AAP minister, such as water supply and public service delivery. His role as a minister provided him with the platform to implement policies and projects that would help strengthen BJP’s influence in the capital, especially among Delhi’s urban middle class and working-class voters.

The Polarizing Figure: Mishra’s Controversial Remarks

Despite his rise within BJP, Mishra’s career has been marked by a series of controversies, particularly his remarks on sensitive issues such as religion and nationalism. His outspoken support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and his vocal criticism of AAP and its leadership have made him a highly polarizing figure in Delhi politics.

While his supporters view him as a fearless leader who is unafraid to speak his mind and take on the political establishment, his critics argue that his inflammatory rhetoric has contributed to the growing polarization in Indian politics. Mishra has been accused of using communal overtones in his speeches and stoking divisions along religious lines. His statements on law and order, particularly in relation to the 2020 Delhi riots, have drawn criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and human rights groups.

Despite the backlash, Mishra’s popularity among BJP supporters has remained strong. His aggressive approach to politics and his willingness to take on AAP and its leadership have earned him a loyal following among BJP’s core constituencies. His rise as a prominent figure in BJP’s Delhi unit has made him an essential part of the party’s efforts to challenge AAP’s political monopoly in the capital.

The Future: What’s Next for Kapil Mishra?

As Kapil Mishra continues to grow in prominence within BJP, his future in Delhi politics appears to be closely tied to the party’s fortunes in the capital. Mishra’s combative style and hardline rhetoric have made him one of the most talked-about figures in Delhi’s political landscape. Whether his approach will continue to resonate with voters or whether it will alienate larger sections of the electorate remains to be seen.

Mishra’s second coming as a BJP minister is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself and adapt to changing political circumstances. He has managed to navigate the turbulent waters of Indian politics, capitalizing on his time in the limelight and seizing opportunities for political advancement. However, the challenges he faces—both from within BJP and from his political opponents—will determine how far he can go in securing a lasting place in Delhi’s power structure.

In conclusion, Kapil Mishra’s rise from a disillusioned AAP member to a key minister in BJP reflects the fluid nature of Indian politics. His ability to reinvent himself and seize new opportunities in a constantly changing political environment has made him one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in Delhi today. Whether his future will be defined by continued success within BJP or whether he will face setbacks is a question that only time will answer, but for now, Mishra remains a formidable force in Delhi’s political landscape.