BJP Sweeps Historic Delhi Election, Ending AAP’s Decade-Long Rule

New Delhi, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a decisive victory in the high-stakes Delhi election, reclaiming power in the capital after 27 years. The landslide win marks a major political shift, ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long governance.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP has either won or is leading in 47 out of 70 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 35 needed to form the government. The AAP, which has ruled Delhi since 2013, trails behind with 23 seats.

A Symbolic and Strategic Victory for the BJP

Hailing the win as a mandate for progress, Modi posted on X: “Development wins, good governance triumphs.” He assured Delhiites that his party would leave “no stone unturned” in transforming the city.

For the BJP, the victory is more than just an electoral triumph—it marks a return to power in the nation’s capital after being out of office since 1998. With recent electoral successes in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, the BJP poured immense resources into the Delhi campaign. Both Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah played a pivotal role in rallying support.

The Congress Party, once a dominant force in Delhi politics, faced another humiliating defeat, failing to secure even a single seat. Once the capital’s ruling party (1998–2013), Congress has struggled to regain its footing since corruption scandals led to its downfall a decade ago.

AAP’s Crushing Defeat and an Uncertain Future

The loss is a significant setback for AAP, a party once praised for its welfare-driven governance, particularly in education and healthcare. However, recent corruption allegations, infighting, and leadership struggles have weakened its standing.

Some of the biggest upsets for AAP included:

• Arvind Kejriwal (AAP’s National Convenor) lost in New Delhi.
• Manish Sisodia (Former Deputy CM) was defeated in Jangpura.
• Incumbent CM Atishi barely retained her Kalkaji seat.

In a video message, Kejriwal acknowledged defeat and congratulated the BJP, saying, “We humbly accept the people’s verdict and hope the new government lives up to expectations.”

Legal Troubles and Political Turmoil

Kejriwal and Sisodia’s legal troubles loomed over AAP’s campaign. Both leaders were jailed in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam, which they claim was a politically motivated attack by the BJP. Kejriwal, who was released on bail, was barred by the Supreme Court from resuming office as Chief Minister, leading to his resignation.

The election saw over 60% voter turnout, with most exit polls correctly predicting a BJP majority.

What’s Next for Delhi?

With Delhi under BJP rule for the first time in nearly three decades, all eyes are on how the party delivers on its promises. The win also serves as a major boost for Modi’s leadership, reinforcing his national influence after the BJP lost its outright majority in the 2024 general elections.

For AAP, the road ahead is uncertain. With its credibility shaken and key leaders defeated, the party faces an uphill battle to stay relevant in India’s political landscape.