AAP champions patriotism, eyes more States

Political analysts say the Deshbhakti budget and the push for nationalism could help the party’s ambitions in other States, even as the opposition BJP and Congress in Delhi struggle to form a counternarrative to its patriotism campaign

The Deshbhakti or patriotism drive launched by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the national capital is setting the backdrop of the party’s political ambitions in other States, even as it reinforces the party’s grip over the city. In the last budget, Finance Minister Manish Sisodia announced “grand celebrations” for 75 weeks till August 15, 2022, that would fill Delhi with “patriotism and national pride", allotting ₹45 crore for erecting 500 national flags across the city and ₹10 crore each to conduct programmes to honour Bhagat Singh and B.R. Ambedkar. In July, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a tender for setting up of “35 metres high mast flag” at 495 locations for ₹84.6 crore; on August 15, the Delhi government inaugurated five national flags, all of them on 35 metres high masts. “When we see the Tiranga, we get goosebumps and our hearts are filled with love and pride towards the nation. 500 similar Tirangas will be installed all around Delhi, so that when you leave for office, one or two Tirangas can be seen by the time you reach the office. If you see Tiranga even once, then patriotism and love towards the country would be reignited,” said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in his Independence Day speech. The hour-long Deshbhakti class every day in Delhi government-run schools, he hoped, would motivate the younger generation to take pride in the country and realise their duty towards building the future of the country.