The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has charted its unique path by blending welfare politics with a prominent emphasis on Hindutva, a strategy it has consistently pursued. From launching the ‘Tirth Yatra Yojana’ to advocating for the inclusion of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi on currency notes, introducing a ‘Ram Rajya’-themed budget, and projecting Arvind Kejriwal as a devotee of Lord Hanuman, the party has made its Hindutva stance clear. The latest initiative, a health scheme dubbed ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ and allowances for priests, reinforces this approach.

This time, however, the AAP seems to be broadening its appeal, particularly towards Sikh voters in Delhi, especially with the party now in power in Punjab. Kejriwal’s announcement of the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Rashi Scheme’ promises a monthly stipend of Rs 18,000 to priests and gurdwara granthis if the party retains power in the upcoming Assembly elections. This move targets those working in smaller temples and gurdwaras and serves as a counter to the BJP’s calls for such grants. AAP sources noted that many constituencies have numerous temples and gurdwaras, and the influence of priests and grants on local voters cannot be underestimated.

While the announcement sparked protests from some imams of mosques, who claimed a similar grant for them had not been paid, the AAP remains unfazed, asserting that steps are being taken to rectify this. The party appears prepared for the fact that the minority community may not overwhelmingly support it, due to past discontent following its silence during the 2020 Delhi riots.

As the Assembly elections approach, AAP has also launched campaigns against illegal Rohingya migrants and anti-Bangladesh sentiments in schools, which align with its Hindutva narrative. In the lead-up to previous elections, the party had already expressed its religious affiliations, including the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana for senior citizens and Kejriwal’s appeal to Prime Minister Modi for the inclusion of Hindu deities’ images on currency notes.

In the wake of the Ram Temple’s inauguration in Ayodhya, the AAP emphasized its faith, integrating references to the Ramayana in the state budget. The party has consistently incorporated Hindu mythology, using stories like that of Shravan Kumar to resonate with voters. They have also organized religious events such as Ram Leela and Hanuman Chalisa recitals.

Despite its Hindutva focus, the AAP is mindful of its broader political strategy. In Delhi, its strong welfare agenda, especially in health and education, is central to its campaign. While Hindutva may appeal to some sections, the AAP hopes it will help the party compete with the BJP’s dominance. With the hope of securing middle-class votes and targeting specific constituencies, the AAP aims to capture 55 seats in the upcoming elections, a challenging goal considering the BJP’s stronghold and the Congress’s resurgence. The party’s strategy, including its Hindutva pitch, seeks to sway voters who might otherwise consider switching allegiance.