New Delhi: In a stunning political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won the Delhi Assembly elections, marking its return to power in the capital after 27 years. The BJP secured 48 out of 70 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was reduced to just 22.
A decade ago, Arvind Kejriwal and AAP rode a wave of public emotion to victory. The ‘Mufflerman’ was seen as a hero, armed with a broom to clean politics. But in 2025, Delhi’s voters decided it was time to sweep AAP out.
Promises vs. Politics
Kejriwal rose to power on the promise of clean governance, free water, electricity, and improved public services. But over the years, he became more of a politician than a reformer. His focus shifted to expanding AAP beyond Delhi, often at the cost of local governance.
The middle class, once AAP’s biggest supporter, felt burdened by rising bills. The free 300 units of electricity came with hidden costs. Water charges increased. Infrastructure promises, like European-style roads and clean drinking water, remained unfulfilled.
Scandals and Setbacks
AAP’s downfall was accelerated by corruption allegations. The 2022 Delhi excise scam tainted the party’s image. Several top AAP leaders, including former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, landed in jail. Even Kejriwal was arrested but later released on bail.
AAP’s national expansion also flopped. While it won Punjab in 2022, it failed in Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana. The party was no longer the fresh alternative it once promised to be.
The Final Blow
In a last-ditch effort, Kejriwal accused Haryana of poisoning the Yamuna river to harm Delhi. But voters saw it as political desperation. The BJP, with its strong campaign, capitalized on AAP’s failures and gained the trust of Delhiites.
A New Beginning for Delhi?
As voters pressed the button on the EVM, it wasn’t just about electing a new government. It was about rejecting broken promises and political maneuvering. The BJP’s return signals a demand for change and governance over theatrics.
Kejriwal and AAP must now reflect. Delhi once embraced them with hope. This election showed how quickly that hope can turn into disappointment.
BJP’s Plans for Delhi
With a clear mandate, the BJP now faces the challenge of delivering on its promises. The party has pledged to improve infrastructure, tackle pollution, and create more employment opportunities. It has also promised better healthcare facilities and a crackdown on corruption.
The focus will be on urban development, particularly in addressing traffic congestion, modernizing public transport, and improving the quality of life in Delhi’s rapidly growing urban spaces.
Political analysts believe the BJP’s victory reflects a strong anti-incumbency wave against AAP, fueled by dissatisfaction with governance, corruption scandals, and economic burdens on the middle class.
What Lies Ahead for AAP?
The road ahead for AAP looks tough. The party, once seen as an alternative to traditional politics, now finds itself struggling for relevance. The leadership must address internal conflicts, rebuild public trust, and rethink its strategies if it hopes to make a comeback in future elections.
Meanwhile, the voters of Delhi have spoken. The political landscape has shifted once again, and the coming years will reveal if the BJP can live up to the expectations it has set.
