How Sandeep Dixit helped BJP defeat Kejriwal lost by 4000 votes; 10 seats where Cong cut AAP’s votes

Before the Delhi elections, a common prediction echoed in political circles: whether or not Congress secured victories, it would play a decisive role in AAP’s downfall on several seats. The results have validated this assessment. Congress has not only brought AAP down to earth but has also taken a significant step forward in its own revival in the capital’s political landscape.

Despite being out of power in Delhi for a decade, Congress managed to gain a foothold across all 70 constituencies, securing votes that, in many cases, tilted the balance against AAP. The impact was visible in multiple seats where the BJP edged ahead, largely due to Congress splitting the anti-BJP vote.

This performance signals a shift for the Delhi Congress, which had been struggling to remain relevant in the city after its rout in 2013. While it may not have won key constituencies, its ability to attract votes suggests that it still holds a voter base that cannot be ignored. The party, which once dominated Delhi under Sheila Dikshit, now has an opportunity to rebuild itself as a serious contender.

The opposition space is open

With these elections, the entire field of opposition politics in Delhi has been reshaped. The triangular contest between BJP, AAP and Congress indicates that the fight is far from one-sided. While AAP still holds significant ground, it can no longer afford to dismiss Congress as irrelevant. Meanwhile, BJP, despite its wins, must recognise that a divided opposition worked in its favor this time but may not always do so in future battles.

In 2013, Kejriwal defeated Sheila Dikshit and became the Delhi Chief Minister.