BJP Scripts Historic Comeback in Delhi After 27 Years, Crushing AAP’s Stronghold

In a landmark political shift, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a decisive victory in Delhi’s legislative assembly elections, ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long dominance in the national capital. This marks the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years, a significant milestone that reshapes the city’s political landscape.

The BJP has either won or is leading in 48 out of the 70 assembly seats, surpassing the majority mark of 35, while AAP trails with 22 seats, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). With this victory, the BJP solidifies its grip on key urban centers, adding Delhi to its list of recent conquests, including Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude, stating, “Development wins, good governance triumphs.” He reassured voters that his government would leave “no stone unturned” in ensuring Delhi’s progress.

For AAP, which has governed Delhi since 2013 on a platform of welfarism, the loss is a significant setback. The party once enjoyed strong support for its education and healthcare initiatives but has been under fire due to corruption allegations against key leaders. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia both suffered major defeats in New Delhi and Jangpura constituencies, respectively.

Incumbent Chief Minister Atishi barely managed to secure a win in Kalkaji, highlighting the scale of AAP’s downfall. In a video message, Kejriwal acknowledged the people’s mandate, stating, “We humbly accept the verdict and congratulate the BJP on its win. I hope they fulfill the expectations of the people who voted for them.”

Once the dominant force in the capital, the Congress party failed to secure even a single seat. The party, which ruled Delhi from 1998 to 2013, has been struggling for relevance after losing power over corruption allegations a decade ago.

Delhi’s elections were more than just a state contest; they symbolized a prestige battle for both the BJP and AAP. The BJP, determined to reclaim the capital, deployed its top leadership, including Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in a vigorous campaign targeting Kejriwal’s alleged misgovernance.

AAP, on the other hand, had been battling not just electoral challenges but legal troubles. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were jailed in connection to an alleged liquor policy scam, which they claim was a politically motivated attack by the BJP. Although they were granted bail, Kejriwal was barred from official duties and eventually resigned.

Over 60% of eligible voters cast their ballots in Wednesday’s election. Exit polls had predicted a strong showing for the BJP, and the results confirmed a decisive mandate.

Political analysts suggest that BJP’s triumph in Delhi reinforces Modi’s appeal among urban voters, especially after the party fell short of an outright majority in last year’s general elections. The win also raises questions about AAP’s future as a national player, given its governance in Punjab and past aspirations of expansion beyond Delhi.

As the BJP prepares to take charge of the capital, all eyes will be on how it delivers on its promises of governance and development. Meanwhile, AAP faces an uphill battle in regaining voter trust and reshaping its political strategy.