The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is most likely to win the Delhi elections for the first time in 27 years, having previously held power from 1993 to 1998. Despite substantial popularity in the capital, the BJP has struggled to win elections for nearly 30 years.

This victory is a major boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party, especially after their disappointing performance in the 2024 general elections, where they failed to secure a majority and had to rely on coalition partners to form the government.

BJP’s success in Delhi may be due to Modi’s welfare schemes, including promises to slum-dwellers about providing permanent homes. The party also pledged financial aid for women, free healthcare, and free gas cylinders during festivals. With recent victories in Maharashtra and Haryana, the BJP appears to be regaining momentum.

Reacting to the mandate, the Prime Minister tweeted: “We guarantee that we will leave no stone unturned in developing Delhi, improving the overall quality of life for the people and ensuring that Delhi has a prime role to play in building a Viksit Bharat.”

Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was seeking a third term, but his party lost. AAP’s key election promises were free electricity and a Rs 2,100 allowance for women.

AAP initially gained popularity by promoting clean governance and public welfare programs. However, corruption scandals severely damaged its reputation. Kejriwal and two top ministers were jailed over an alleged liquor policy scam, with accusations of accepting bribes from alcohol companies. The construction of a luxurious chief minister’s house, ‘Sheeshmahal’, also hurt the party’s image.

With this election loss, Kejriwal faces an uncertain political future. The corruption case is ongoing, and internal conflicts may emerge within AAP after this setback.

Rahul Gandhi

The Congress party failed to win even a single seat in Delhi. It refused to form an alliance with AAP despite being part of the INDIA bloc, which may have helped BJP secure victory.

The long-standing rivalry between Congress and AAP split the opposition vote, benefiting the BJP. Congress relied on the legacy of former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit to attack AAP but failed to convince voters.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has faced another major defeat under his leadership, raising further doubts about the party’s ability to regain its former strength. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao even mocked him, sarcastically congratulating him for “helping BJP win again.”

With this loss, Congress’ future under Rahul Gandhi looks uncertain, making a revival of the party’s past glory seem unlikely.