In a significant political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, marking its return to power in the capital after 27 years. The BJP clinched 47 out of 70 seats, effectively ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long governance.
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s national convenor and outgoing Chief Minister, conceded defeat and extended his congratulations to the BJP. In a video message, Kejriwal stated, “We accept the mandate of the people with great humility. I congratulate the BJP for this victory and hope they will fulfill all the promises for which people have voted for them.”
He emphasized that AAP will assume the role of a constructive opposition, continuing its commitment to serving Delhi’s residents. “We have done a lot of work in the field of health, education, and infrastructure in the last 10 years. We will not only play the role of a constructive opposition but will also remain among the people and continue to serve them,” Kejriwal added.
The election results also saw prominent AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, losing their respective seats. Kejriwal was defeated in the New Delhi constituency by BJP’s Parvesh Verma, who won by a margin of 4,089 votes. Verma secured 30,088 votes, while Kejriwal garnered 25,999 votes.
The BJP’s victory is seen as a significant boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, especially after not securing a majority in the previous national elections. This win not only strengthens the BJP’s position in domestic politics but also enhances Modi’s image internationally. The party has pledged to improve Delhi’s schools and healthcare services, aligning with its broader vision of development and good governance.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Delhi, stating, “Jana Shakti is paramount! Development wins, good governance triumphs. I bow to my dear sisters and brothers of Delhi for this resounding and historic mandate to BJP. We are humbled and honoured to receive these blessings.” He assured that the BJP would leave no stone unturned in developing Delhi and improving the overall quality of life for its residents.
The AAP, which had been in power since 2015, witnessed a significant decline in its seat count, securing only 22 seats in this election. The party’s tenure was marked by initiatives in health, education, and infrastructure, but it also faced challenges, including allegations of corruption against several of its leaders. Over the past few years, leaders such as Kejriwal, Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendar Jain faced accusations and legal challenges, with some spending time in jail before being released on bail.
This electoral outcome underscores a significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape, with the BJP reclaiming power after nearly three decades. As the new government takes charge, the focus will be on how effectively it addresses the promises made during the campaign and meets the expectations of Delhi’s populace.
