After a remarkable election victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s party is set to form the government in the Indian capital of Delhi, marking a significant shift after 27 years.
In the ongoing election for the 70-member legislative assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured victory or is currently leading in 47 seats. Meanwhile, the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is making strides in 23 seats, as reported by the Election Commission of India (EC).
A political party that secures more than 35 seats, surpassing the halfway threshold, is positioned to establish the government.
Modi said on X that “Development wins, good governance triumphs,” emphasising his party’s commitment to leaving “no stone unturned” in developing federally administered territory. It has represented a significant contest for both the BJP and AAP, reflecting Delhi’s status, however, the nation’s capital.
The city, which operates as a federally-administered territory, has been under the governance ofthatAAP since 2013, with voters consistently supporting its notable track record in welfare initiatives. The party and its leaders are currently navigating a series of challenges, as allegations of corruption have surfaced against them, which they have firmly denied.
For the BJP, winning in Delhi signifies more than mere electoral achievement; it establishes a vital presence in the nation’s capital after a prolonged absence from power since 1998.
The political party, buoyed by recent electoral victories in states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, allocated significant resources to its campaign in Delhi, featuring appearances by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah at various events.
The Congress party, which serves as the primary opposition at the national level, participated in the electoral contest; however, it appears improbable that they will secure a single seat.
From 1998 to 2013, the party held power in Delhi but was ultimately removed amid corruption allegations, prompting voters to support AAP. Since then, it has struggled to leave a significant impact.
Analysts suggest a victory in politically significant Delhi could bolster Modi’s appeal among Indian voters, particularly following his party’s loss of an outright majority in the previous year’s general election.
The recent defeat represents a significant setback for the AAP. This relatively minor political entity garnered acclaim during its initial years in governance for its emphasis on enhancing education and healthcare services in the city. Punjab state governance is also under its purview, yet maintaining control over Delhi would have marked a significant victory for the struggling party, which now confronts uncertainties regarding its future.
On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party faced significant setbacks as prominent figures Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were defeated in the New Delhi and Jangpura constituencies, respectively.
Chief Minister Atishi secured a slim win in the Kalkaji constituency.
In a video message shared on X, Kejriwal expressed that he and his party “humbly accepted” the people’s verdict and congratulated the BJP on their victory.
“I trust they will meet the expectations of their constituents,” he remarked.
In a significant turnout, over 60% of eligible voters participated in the election held on Wednesday. Despite most exit polls forecasting an absolute majority for the BJP, history has shown that such predictions can often miss the mark.
The BJP campaign heavily focused on Kejriwal, an anti-corruption activist, who, alongside Sisodia, faced imprisonment over the last two years in connection with a corruption case tied to a now-repealed alcohol sales policy. Both leaders, who refute all allegations, were granted bail last year after enduring months of incarceration.
Kejriwal has accused Modi’s party of engaging in a “political vendetta” against him and the AAP, a claim that the BJP refutes. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has imposed bail conditions that prohibit him from entering the chief minister’s office or signing any official documents. Kejriwal stepped down from his position just days after his release from incarceration.
Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP faces significant challenges in Delhi, grappling with anti-incumbency sentiments, governance fatigue, and a persistent campaign from the BJP.
Following over ten years in leadership, the Aam Aadmi Party’s allure has diminished, particularly among the middle class that was previously attracted to Arvind Kejriwal’s anti-corruption position. Kejriwal, who initially emerged as a prominent figure in the middle-class anti-corruption movement, has shifted his focus to represent the interests of low-income people. However, the timeline of when Delhi’s impoverished and working-class distanced themselves from him remains uncertain.
Allegations of corruption, the imprisonment of prominent leaders, and the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal have significantly undermined the Aam Aadmi Party’s campaign, allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party to capitalise on the resulting political vacuum quickly. With extensive resources and a formidable electoral apparatus, the BJP’s “double-engine” strategy—where both state and federal governments are under the same party’s control—promises enhanced stability and improved governance.
The BJP has achieved a significant milestone, securing a majority in Delhi in nearly three decades. The message of “Parivartan” resonated deeply, yet the combination of political influence and financial resources ultimately secured the decisive victory.
Following victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, the BJP is solidifying its comeback after experiencing setbacks in last year’s general elections. As Delhi’s political landscape shifts, the opposition is in disarray, while the BJP positions itself advantageously for the upcoming electoral cycle.
Delhi’s governance structure is distinct and noteworthy. The lieutenant governor, appointed by the federal government, holds the authority to make crucial decisions concerning public order, policing, and land management. The state legislature is responsible for addressing education, health, and public services issues.
The ongoing division has frequently led to tensions between the federal government and state legislatures, mainly when they are controlled by opposing political parties.
The dynamics of the power structure significantly influenced the election campaigning in Delhi, steering the focus towards welfare initiatives rather than the political or identity issues that tend to dominate elections in other regions of the country.
Both the AAP and BJP campaigns have made commitments to enhance public schools and provide free healthcare services, alongside offering cash handouts to women.
Following the announcement of income tax reductions in last week’s federal budget, the BJP is optimistic about gaining support from the salaried middle class, a crucial voting demographic in the capital.
The protracted and contentious campaign to secure the capital emphasised the welfare facilities available to its residents. One issue, however, was notably absent from the discussions – the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi, which impacts the lives of over 30 million residents for a significant portion of the year.
The BJP pledged to cut the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) by 50% by 2030, contingent on their electoral victory, while other political parties also addressed the pressing issue in their manifestos. However, the matter failed to take centre stage in conversations or emerge as a significant topic during the election campaign.
