NEW DELHI: The national capital on Saturday witnessed a saffron tsunami with the BJP securing a resounding victory in all parliamentary constituency areas, winning 48 out of 70 assembly seats.
Aam Aadmi Party, however, maintained a stronghold in Muslim- and Dalit-dominated constituencies.
What seemed to have worked in favour of the BJP was the mahila, middle class and madira factor (excise policy case), along with the “sheeshmahal” attack on AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal during the poll campaign.
Delhi Election Results 2025
What seemed to not have worked in AAP’s favour were issues like poor roads, traffic congestion, Yamuna pollution, and poor air quality.
Here are key factors why BJP secured victory over AAP:
Early & sustained campaigning
BJP launched its campaign well ahead of the elections, strategically leveraging every controversy surrounding AAP to weaken its position.
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy over the lavish renovation of the CM’s residence further tarnished AAP’s image, reinforcing allegations of extravagance.
While BJP initially criticized AAP’s freebie policies, it later embraced its own populist promises to appeal to voters. Simultaneously, the party’s “double-engine sarkar” narrative gained momentum, resonating with those who perceived increasing dysfunctionality in the Delhi government.
Winning over the middle class
AAP retained its core low-income voter base, but BJP targeted the middle and neo-middle class. Issues like poor roads, traffic congestion, Yamuna pollution, and air quality mattered more to this demographic than free utilities.
BJP’s announcements, including the 8th Pay Commission and income tax cuts, appealed to government employees and their families.
Exposing ‘fake’ freebies
BJP aggressively attacked alleged irregularities in AAP’s welfare schemes, such as “fake medicines” and “ghost patients” in mohalla clinics.
While AAP denied these claims, BJP linked them with visible governance failures like the continued pollution of the Yamuna.
Brand Kejriwal’s decline
Kejriwal’s image shifted from a “humble common man” to a leader facing anti-incumbency. Additionally, public perception of AAP’s governance shortcomings contributed to voter frustration.
