If the AAP hadn't been formed, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have reaped the full advantage of the popular discontent. The Congress can consider itself fortunate that the AAP took away a substantial portion of the votes which would have otherwise gone to the BJP. If the BJP had received a huge mandate, it would have been a massive setback for the Congress and a boost to Narendra Modi.
At the moment, however, the blow has been softened by the AAP winning 28 seats against the BJP's 32 and the Congress's miserable eight. But the AAP's main achievement has been to show that idealism still has a place in politics. It is because of its adherence to principles that the BJP has pledged not to try to entice independents or members of other parties to its side. It may be recalled how B.S. Yeddyurappa had increased the BJP's legislative position in Karnataka in 2011 by winning over "friends" from other parties via Operation Lotus.
Considering how such "horse trading" had virtually become an integral part of the post-election scene, this cleansing of the system is a highly laudable contribution of the fledgling party to Indian politics. But there are several factors which can cast a shadow on the knights in shining armour who have sent tremors through the political establishment.
