Sun Feb 09 09:49:11 UTC 2025: ## BJP Storms Back to Power in Delhi After 27-Year Hiatus

**New Delhi** – In a stunning upset, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reclaimed power in Delhi after a 27-year absence, winning a commanding 48 seats in Saturday’s assembly elections. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had governed the national capital since 2015, suffered a significant defeat, securing only 22 seats. The Congress party failed to win any seats.

This marks AAP’s worst electoral performance in Delhi since its inception, a sharp contrast to its landslide victories in 2015 (67 seats) and 2020 (62 seats). The BJP’s last stint in power in Delhi ended in 1998.

The BJP’s victory is attributed to several factors, including a potent campaign leveraging allegations of corruption against AAP leaders, particularly regarding the Delhi Liquor Policy scam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign, which targeted AAP’s governance record with the term “Aap-da” (destruction), also played a significant role. The BJP also highlighted alleged lavish spending at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s former residence.

AAP’s campaign promises, including a monthly cash handout to women, were criticized as unrealistic, especially considering the party’s failure to deliver on similar promises in Punjab. Furthermore, internal divisions within the opposition INDIA alliance, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizing AAP’s leadership, likely contributed to the BJP’s success. Political analysts also suggest that AAP’s attempts to portray the BJP-ruled Haryana as poisoning Delhi’s water supply backfired.

Despite AAP’s ten-year rule and focus on welfare schemes in health, education, and utilities, the BJP maintained a consistent vote share, ultimately capitalizing on anti-incumbency sentiment and allegations of corruption to secure a decisive victory. The close margins in several constituencies underscore the competitiveness of the election, even amidst the BJP’s overall dominance.

Read More