New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ended its 26-year-long wait and finally won the Delhi Assembly elections, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This victory was fueled by several key factors, including strong support from women and middle-class voters, success in the MCD elections, and the controversy over the chief minister’s residence, popularly called the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ issue. This result is a huge blow to AAP and could weaken its influence beyond Delhi.
BJP’s Strong Comeback
After securing wins in Maharashtra and Haryana, BJP has now taken control of Delhi as well. On February 8, the party crossed the majority mark by winning over 36 seats in the 70-member assembly. This win proves that BJP can break long-standing political trends and defeat tough opponents.
For years, BJP struggled to return to power in Delhi. The last time it formed a government in the capital was in 1993. But in the 2025 elections, the party staged a strong comeback, winning over voters by focusing on key issues such as women’s support, middle-class concerns, MCD elections, and the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy.
BJP’s vote share crossed 40%, a level it had not reached since 1993. As the results came in, celebrations erupted at BJP headquarters, with supporters dancing, beating drums, and waving party flags.
Why BJP Won – The Key Factors
Several pressing local issues played a role in BJP’s victory. Water shortages, drainage problems, and garbage mismanagement were major concerns for Delhi’s residents. BJP targeted these problems in its campaign and also used the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy to attack AAP. The controversy involved allegations of expensive renovations at the chief minister’s residence, along with corruption charges related to the excise policy. Many voters appeared to be swayed by these issues.
Looking at past trends, BJP won Delhi in 1993 with a 42.82% vote share. However, from 1998 onwards, Congress dominated, reducing BJP’s vote share to 35.82%. Later, AAP rose to power, winning 54.34% of votes in 2015 and 53.57% in 2020. Now, BJP’s latest victory marks a significant shift in the city’s political landscape.
What’s Next for AAP?
AAP’s defeat in Delhi could weaken its hold in states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa. The party, which started as an anti-corruption movement, gained popularity with promises of free electricity, water, healthcare, and education. But after 10 years in power, it is now under pressure due to rising concerns over pollution, water supply, and infrastructure. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has often blamed the central government for these problems, but voters seem to be looking for change.
In Punjab, AAP had a landslide victory in 2022, winning 92 seats while Congress got only 18. However, with AAP now struggling in Delhi, its dominance in Punjab could be at risk, potentially giving Congress a chance to bounce back. AAP’s attempts to grow in Gujarat may also take a hit, as the party only managed a minor vote share in 2022.
Did Congress Hurt AAP’s Chances?
Although Congress did not win any seats in Delhi, it played a role in splitting the opposition vote, which made AAP’s fight tougher.
One of the biggest shocks of this election was Arvind Kejriwal losing his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma. Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit was also in the race, and the votes he received could have helped Kejriwal had Congress and AAP formed an alliance. Similarly, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia lost by just 600 votes, and the presence of a Congress candidate may have influenced the outcome.
In constituencies like Badli, Nangloi Jat, Madipur, Rohini, and Dwarka, AAP might have performed better if it had not distanced itself from Congress. After a decade in power, AAP is now facing anti-incumbency pressure. If Congress regains some of its lost voter base, AAP could face further challenges, especially among slum dwellers, residents of unauthorized colonies, and Purvanchali and Muslim voters.
With BJP now in control of Delhi, the political landscape of the capital is shifting. AAP faces an uphill battle, especially in Punjab, as it tries to recover from this crushing defeat.
