Thu Feb 06 10:47:17 UTC 2025: ## Exit Polls Predict BJP’s Return to Power in Delhi After 27 Years

**New Delhi, February 7, 2025** – Exit polls released following the conclusion of Delhi Assembly elections Wednesday suggest a potential BJP victory, marking a possible return to power after a 27-year hiatus. While most polls indicate a BJP lead, the outcome remains uncertain. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant challenge, while the Congress hopes for improved performance compared to previous elections.

Multiple exit polls paint a mixed picture. Matrize suggests a close contest between BJP and AAP, with BJP marginally ahead, predicting 35-40 seats for BJP and 32-37 for AAP. Chanakya Strategy also favors BJP (39-44 seats) over AAP (25-28 seats). Poll Diary gives BJP a strong lead (42-50 seats) and AAP a considerably lower number (18-25 seats). Across all polls, Congress is projected to win only a handful of seats, if any.

The projected AAP setback has triggered internal discussions within the party. While acknowledging the discrepancies between exit polls and previous election results (AAP won 28 seats in 2013 and 67 in 2015), party leaders remain hopeful of exceeding poll predictions. They internally estimate securing 31-35 seats.

BJP’s aggressive campaign, focusing on micro-management, outreach to diverse communities (Dalits, Purvanchalis, migrants), and high-profile rallies by senior leaders, is seen as a key factor contributing to their projected lead. They countered AAP’s freebie schemes with the promise of continuing existing welfare programs and potential enhancements, under the banner of “Modi’s Guarantee”.

Congress, though not a major player, aims to make inroads by targeting AAP’s vote bank and focusing on Dalit and minority voters. However, an alliance with AAP is ruled out.

Four potential scenarios have emerged: a clear BJP majority, a weaker AAP comeback, a BJP-AAP close contest with Congress as kingmaker, or a hung assembly leading to further elections.

The final results, due February 8th, will determine the future of Delhi’s political landscape and whether BJP’s campaign strategy was successful, AAP can maintain its dominance, or if Congress can significantly improve its position.

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