Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a significant comeback in Delhi, winning the assembly elections after a 27-year hiatus. The BJP’s victory marks a major defeat for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had been in power since 2013. This election, held on February 8, 2025, saw the AAP’s seat count plummet from 63 to just 22 in the 70-seat assembly, while the BJP secured 48 seats.
The election results were a stark reminder of the shifting political landscape in the national capital, where the BJP had long struggled to gain a foothold in state politics despite its dominance in national elections. Modi celebrated the BJP’s victory on social media, emphasizing that "development wins, good governance triumphs." The party’s headquarters erupted in celebrations, contrasting sharply with the subdued atmosphere at AAP’s central office, which was temporarily locked down as the results came in.
Political analysts noted that the AAP’s decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a loss of public trust and disillusionment among its core supporters. Neelanjan Sircar from the Centre for Policy Research remarked that what began as a grassroots movement had devolved into a conventional political party. Kejriwal’s administration faced increasing criticism over governance issues and accusations of arrogance, which ultimately alienated middle-class voters.
The BJP’s campaign effectively capitalized on these sentiments, presenting itself as a party of development and good governance. Analysts pointed out that the BJP’s strategy of not announcing a chief ministerial candidate prior to the elections helped maintain voter interest and prevent disillusionment with any single candidate. The BJP’s outreach to grassroots workers and its ability to promise benefits to voters resonated well, particularly among the upper-caste population, which constitutes a significant portion of Delhi’s electorate.
In the aftermath of the election, Kejriwal’s position appears precarious. He lost his own constituency, New Delhi, to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by over 3,100 votes. Observers noted that the loss of key leaders like Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, signals a profound shift in Delhi’s political dynamics. The AAP has not faced a defeat of this magnitude since its inception, raising questions about its future and its ambitions beyond Delhi.
The BJP’s victory in Delhi comes on the heels of its success in other state elections, including Maharashtra and Haryana, solidifying its grip on Indian politics. However, experts caution that governing a diverse and modern Delhi will present unique challenges for the BJP, which has not held power in the city since 1993. The results have left many questioning whether the BJP can adapt to the evolving political landscape of the capital, which reflects a blend of various cultures and demographics.
As the AAP grapples with its defeat, political commentators suggest that the party must reassess its strategies and reconnect with the electorate. The loss signals a need for introspection within the party, as it faces an unfamiliar reality of being out of power in a region it once dominated. The upcoming period will be critical for both the BJP and AAP as they navigate the implications of these election results and their impact on future political contests in India.