A shower of petals, white and green balloons, tri-colours and posters of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal dominated the scene as euphoric supporters celebrated the party’s victory in the Delhi assembly elections.
The biggest celebration was witnessed at the AAP headquarters in east Patel Nagar in west Delhi, where thousands of party supporters and workers cheered every time the party’s tally in the candidates’ list increased.
“Paanch Saal Kejriwal” (Kejriwal for five-years) was the chant and supporters danced to the tune of the song made for election campaign as the two-year-old party headed for a historic victory in the assembly polls.
Many waved the national flags and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) flags, while others held photographs of Kejriwal.
The party leaders also said the world must take a note of the AAP’s triumph over the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the Feb 7 assembly polls.
“This is incredible. We cannot believe it,” AAP leader Manish Sisodia said.
“The world is watching as we win,” party leader Kumar Vishwas said.
Enthused supporters were joined by the local residents, as celebrations took on a festive air outside the party office, where a huge poster of Kejriwal was displayed.
“It seems as the celebration of the (cricket) World Cup victory (in 2011),” said Akhilesh Kumar, who claimed to be an AAP supporter.
The party office was decorated with balloons, and flowers were showered as supporters celebrated.
However, the message from a stage built at the spot suggested to remain “humble” as the party appeared heading towards a clear majority.
“This is a mandate against indecent politics. Wherever our friends are winning, we do not have to show anyone down,” party leader Sanjay Singh said.
“We have to be humble and and work for the people,” he added.
AAP’s MP Bhagwant Mann gave a similar message: “We must not become arrogant.”
Hundreds of AAP supporters were seen waiving the national flag while raising slogans in support of Kejriwal and the AAP.
Celebrations were also seen in New Delhi, Kejriwal’s constituency, where around 400-500 supporters gathered outside a counting centre in Gole Market.
AAP supporter Sunil Kumar, a businessman from Karol Bagh said: “Good days are here now. People are fed up with corruption. Last time, the AAP had to leave the governance because of some corrupt people.”
Sunil Kumar was holding a Kejriwal poster, saying “Singham Returns”, inspired by a Hindi film.
Supporters shouted slogans like “Paanch Saal Kejriwal” and “Aam Aadmi Zindabaad”.
A party worker told IANS they are not beating drums under instructions from Kejriwal.
“We are not allowed to beat drums as we don’t have to bully anyone,” an AAP worker said.