In a landmark political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reclaimed power in Delhi after nearly three decades, securing 48 out of 70 seats in the 2025 Assembly elections. This victory marks the BJP’s first control over the capital’s government since 1998.
A Brief History of BJP’s Leadership in Delhi
The BJP’s previous tenure in Delhi’s leadership was marked by three chief ministers between 1993 and 1998:
- Madan Lal Khurana (1993-1996): Known as ‘Delhi ka Sher’ (Lion of Delhi), Khurana served as the Chief Minister from December 2, 1993, to February 26, 1996. His tenure ended following allegations in the Hawala scandal, leading to his resignation.
- Sahib Singh Verma (1996-1998): Succeeding Khurana, Verma held office from February 26, 1996, to October 12, 1998. His tenure faced challenges, including criticism over rising onion prices and water shortages, which eventually led to his replacement.
- Sushma Swaraj (1998): Taking office on October 12, 1998, Swaraj became Delhi’s first female Chief Minister. However, her tenure was brief, lasting only 52 days until December 3, 1998, as the BJP lost the subsequent assembly elections to the Congress party.
The 2025 Election Outcome
The 2025 elections witnessed a significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape:
- BJP’s Victory: The BJP secured a decisive win with 48 seats, marking its return to power after 27 years.
- AAP’s Decline: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had dominated Delhi politics since 2015, experienced a substantial setback, winning only 22 seats. Prominent leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, lost their constituencies.
- Congress’s Continued Struggle: The Indian National Congress failed to secure any seats, reflecting its ongoing challenges in the capital’s political arena.
Factors Contributing to BJP’s Resurgence
Several elements played a role in the BJP’s successful campaign:
- Strategic Leadership: The party’s central leadership effectively mobilized resources and support, capitalizing on public sentiment and addressing local issues.
- Public Discontent with AAP: Allegations of corruption and administrative challenges during AAP’s tenure may have swayed voters towards the BJP.
- Focused Campaigns: The BJP’s promises to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare resonated with a broad spectrum of Delhi’s electorate.
Looking Ahead
As the BJP prepares to form the new government in Delhi, citizens anticipate the implementation of the party’s commitments to address pressing urban challenges. The forthcoming administration faces the task of fulfilling electoral promises and steering the capital towards sustained development.
