NEW DELHI: It is after 27 years, that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a strong comeback in Delhi. According to the Election Commission, BJP won 47 out of 70 seats, while Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) managed to get only 23 seats.

This is BJP’s third big win in the last four months after victories in Haryana and Maharashtra. Here’s why BJP won in Delhi:

1. Support for Double-Engine Government

Delhi voters preferred a government that works smoothly with the Centre. For years, Kejriwal blamed the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for delays and problems. However, this time, people wanted a "double-engine" government, i.e., BJP in both Delhi and the Centre to ensure better governance.

2. AAP’s Weakening Popularity

AAP ruled Delhi for a decade, but voter dissatisfaction grew over time. The party even changed some candidates at the last minute, but it wasn’t enough. Many MLAs were seen as unresponsive and disconnected from the people.

3. Corruption Allegations Against AAP

AAP came to power promising to end corruption, but scandals like the liquor policy controversy hurt its reputation. Key leaders like Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh were accused of corruption. Kejriwal even stepped down as CM, handing over power to Atishi, but voters did not trust him anymore.

4. BJP’s Focus on the Middle Class

The Union government’s budget announcement just days before the election helped BJP. A tax relief for the middle class attracted many voters. AAP, which once represented the middle class, was now seen as a party focused mainly on welfare schemes for the poor.

5. BJP Promised to Continue Freebies

AAP’s welfare programs, such as free electricity and transport for women, were a major reason for its past success. This time, BJP turned the tables by promising to continue these benefits. PM Modi himself assured voters that schemes like free electricity and subsidies would remain under BJP rule.

6. Pollution and Yamuna Cleanliness Issues

In 2020, Kejriwal promised to reduce pollution, but in 2025, he didn’t mention it at all. For years, AAP blamed nearby states for Delhi’s pollution instead of taking action. Meanwhile, BJP promised to cut air pollution levels in half and clean the Yamuna River within five years.

7. Rahul Gandhi’s Attacks on Kejriwal

Rahul Gandhi played a key role in BJP’s win by directly attacking Kejriwal. He accused him of changing from a simple politician to someone living in luxury. His speeches comparing Kejriwal’s early days to his current lifestyle made a strong impact on voters.

8. PM Modi’s Strong Campaign

PM Modi was BJP’s biggest campaigner. He targeted Kejriwal by calling AAP a "disaster" (AAPda) for Delhi and accusing him of corruption. His speeches just before the election influenced many voters.

9. AAP-Congress Fight Helped BJP

Although AAP and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance, they fought separately in Delhi. Instead of working together, they attacked each other. Congress leaders like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi criticized Kejriwal, weakening his image further. In the end, Congress didn’t win any seats, but it helped BJP by reducing AAP’s votes.

10. BJP’s Clear Strategy

Unlike previous elections, BJP did not focus much on Hindutva this time. Instead, it targeted Kejriwal’s governance failures and middle-class concerns. The corruption cases and Kejriwal’s luxurious home controversy worked in BJP’s favor, convincing voters to give them a chance.