New Delhi, India – In a historic political shift, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has clinched a decisive victory in the Delhi assembly elections, ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) 27-year grip on power in the national capital.
According to the Election Commission of India (EC), the BJP has either won or is leading in 47 out of 70 seats, comfortably surpassing the majority mark of 35 seats needed to form the government. Meanwhile, the incumbent AAP lags behind with 23 seats, marking a significant setback for the party that had governed Delhi since 2013.
A Triumph for BJP, A Blow to AAP
The BJP’s win in Delhi is more than just an electoral victory; it is a major symbolic and strategic gain. Having been out of power in the city since 1998, the party poured extensive resources into the campaign, with Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah leading the charge.
“Development wins, good governance triumphs,” Modi declared on X, promising that his government would leave “no stone unturned” in transforming Delhi.
For AAP, this result is a severe blow. Once celebrated for its focus on education and healthcare, the party has faced mounting corruption allegations in recent years—claims that its leadership has vehemently denied.
Adding to the shock, AAP’s biggest names, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, suffered stunning defeats in their strongholds of New Delhi and Jangpura. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Atishi narrowly held onto her seat in Kalkaji.
In a concession speech, Kejriwal acknowledged the results, stating, “We humbly accept the people’s verdict and congratulate the BJP. I hope they meet the expectations of the voters who placed their trust in them.”
Congress Fades Further into Oblivion
Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi politics, has suffered yet another humiliating defeat, failing to secure even a single seat. The party, which governed Delhi from 1998 to 2013, has struggled to regain relevance since its ousting over corruption scandals that initially propelled AAP to power.
What This Means for Modi and Indian Politics
Delhi’s election carries deep political significance, especially after the BJP lost its outright majority in last year’s general elections. This victory reinforces Modi’s enduring appeal among Indian voters, further cementing his party’s dominance across key states, including Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
The BJP’s campaign was heavily focused on Kejriwal, whose legal troubles—including a high-profile corruption case linked to a now-scrapped liquor policy—became a central theme. Kejriwal, who was jailed last year and later released on bail, has accused the BJP of orchestrating a political vendetta, a charge the ruling party denies.
His legal troubles also led to his resignation as Delhi’s chief minister, after the Supreme Court barred him from signing official documents or entering his office.
Voter Turnout and Final Takeaways
Over 60% of eligible voters participated in Wednesday’s elections, with exit polls accurately predicting a strong BJP performance.
This result not only reshapes Delhi’s political landscape but also raises serious questions about AAP’s future—a party once seen as an alternative to traditional politics but now struggling to hold its ground.
For the BJP, reclaiming Delhi after nearly three decades marks a defining moment in its political expansion, signaling its continued dominance in India’s evolving electoral battle.
