Key Takeaways from the Delhi Assembly Elections:

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reclaimed control of Delhi after more than 27 years, securing 48 out of 70 seats.
• Former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and several of his senior aides lost their seats, marking a significant decline for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
• The election results reflect a shift in voter sentiment, particularly among middle-class constituents who previously supported AAP.
• BJP's campaign capitalized on allegations of corruption within AAP, coupled with promising welfare schemes to attract voters.
• The results solidify BJP's dominance in northern India following recent victories in Haryana and Maharashtra.

On February 8, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a monumental electoral victory in the Delhi assembly elections, wresting control from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after an absence of 27 years. As per the Election Commission, the BJP secured approximately 48 seats in the 70-member assembly, a remarkable turnaround from the mere eight seats it won in the previous assembly elections. Meanwhile, AAP's tally plummeted to around 22 seats, down from a commanding position of 63 seats just four years prior, where the party's governance was marked by reforms in education, health, and access to essential services like water and power.

The loss for AAP symbolizes a significant blow to Kejriwal, who not only lost his own constituency but also saw most senior leaders in his party defeated. The BJP’s success was predicated on a strategic campaign that combined accusations of corruption against AAP with promises of continued welfare support, including cash handouts and assurances regarding free electricity and water.

Prime Minister Modi celebrated the victory, stating, “Development wins, good governance wins,” and reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to uplift Delhi by focusing on comprehensive development for its residents. The uplift in BJP's vote share, which increased by 7.3 percentage points to 45.8%, indicates a shift among key demographic groups in Delhi, particularly the middle class, who had once been loyal to AAP.

Analyses suggest that Kejriwal's declining popularity stemmed from multiple controversies, including the notorious 'Sheesh Mahal' renovations and ongoing investigations into corruption charges against top AAP officials, which led to a decrease in voter trust. Additionally, the BJP's well-executed campaign tactics effectively engaged and mobilized voters across various demographic segments, enabling them to surpass AAP not just in seats but also in voter perception. Rahul Verma at the Centre for Policy Research noted, “There is a significant class polarization, as the middle and upper class in Delhi have largely deserted AAP in favor of BJP.”

Beyond the immediate electoral implications, this victory for the BJP positions it favorably for upcoming elections in other states, reinforcing its narrative toward a unified governance philosophy alongside the central government. Various analysts have suggested that this election reflects broader trends in Indian politics, indicating that the opposition, particularly Congress, is in a structurally weaker position.

As AAP grapples with defeat, Kejriwal acknowledged the verdict of the people and expressed a commitment to acting as a constructive opposition. This change not only represents a pivotal moment for Delhi but also poses significant questions about the future trajectory of the AAP and its ability to reclaim public trust.

For more details on the election results and political ramifications, visit India Times.