Capital Contest: How AAP and Kejriwal Won Delhi by Deepak Bajpai | Sidharth Pandey

Book Summary

Capital Contest recounts the dramatic 2020 Delhi assembly election, portraying the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a political disruptor facing off against the powerful BJP leadership led by Amit Shah. With Delhis survival on the line, the AAP deployed grassroots strategies, insightful campaign narratives, and relentless energy to clinch victory once more. The book offers vivid, candid insights from core party strategists and decisionmakers, mapping the partys evolution from its insurgent roots to forming a resilient and adaptive political force. It delves into how AAP navigated internal challenges and harnessed public sentiment to resonate with a fast-changing India.

About the Authors

• Deepak Bajpai: A former investigative journalist from NDTV, he transitioned into active politics by volunteering with the AAP and later serving as its National Treasurer and Secretary in Arvind Kejriwals political secretariat. As a member of the partys Political Affairs Committee, Bajai worked closely with both leadership and grassroots volunteers, positioning him to offer unique, insider insights into AAPs strategy and internal workings.

• Sidharth Pandey: An awardwinning journalist with over two decades of experience, Pandey tracked the emergence and trajectory of AAP long before its official formation. His expertise includes engagement with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which played a significant role in shaping early AAP leaders activism paths. He brings analytical depth and an independent observers lens to the narrative