Once considered an impenetrable fortress of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi witnessed a historic shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept AAP out of power after a decade at the helm. According to the Election Commission data, the BJP has won 48 seats, while AAP has managed to secure only 22 seats. Meanwhile, Congress has once again drawn a blank.Delhi witnessed an intense battle between the BJP and AAP, with both parties trading barbs throughout the campaign. However, allegations of corruption against Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet members, including Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, dominated the discourse.AAP’s frequent clashes with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) also became a major talking point, as many Delhiites felt these conflicts hindered the city’s progress. This marked a significant setback for a party that had risen to power on an anti-corruption plank. AAP’s top leaders were allegedly embroiled in the liquor scam, a controversy that played a pivotal role in shaping the election outcome. Consequently, the party’s “kattar imandaar” image took a major hit as multiple senior leaders faced corruption charges.Also Read | From dream run to nightmare – things that went wrong for AAP in 2025 electionFrom delayed drain cleaning projects to poor condition of roads and rising air pollution in the capital, the AAP government drew criticism for its constant confrontations with the LG, which many believed diverted focus from development and ultimately hurt AAP at the polls.Though Kejriwal resigned amid corruption allegations and Atishi was appointed as his successor, these last-minute changes failed to salvage AAP’s position.As results trickled in and AAP’s defeat became inevitable, Arvind Kejriwal conceded the loss, stating: “We accept the people’s mandate with humility. I congratulate the BJP on its victory and hope it will fulfill the expectations of the people of Delhi.”Also Read | From Arvind Kejriwal to Manish Sisodia, the big losers of Delhi pollsMassive setback for AAP as top leaders fallThis resounding victory marks BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years. However, for AAP, it was a devastating blow, as several senior leaders, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and senior leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, suffered defeats.
The BJP’s vote share surged past 40%, a level not seen since 1993, and analysts attribute this breakthrough to BJP’s fine strategy that played a crucial role in expanding the party’s reach in 2025.
As vote counting progressed, BJP supporters erupted in celebration outside the party headquarters, waving flags and dancing to the beats of ‘dhol’ in a euphoric display of triumph.
Ground-level issues such as water shortages, drainage problems, and garbage disposal were major themes throughout the campaign. The BJP also capitalized on the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy, highlighting lavish renovations at the chief minister’s residence under Arvind Kejriwal, along with corruption allegations related to AAP’s excise policy. These issues clearly resonated with voters.Also Read | From Anna Hazare to Alka Lamba: The friends-turned-foes who left Arvind Kejriwal
BJP’s long journey back to powerThe BJP first won Delhi in 1993, securing a 42.82% vote share, while Congress held 34.48%. However, after losing the 1998 elections, the party faced a 27-year-long exile from power. Following its defeat, BJP’s vote share dropped to 35.82%, while Congress surged to 48%.
In 2003, Congress further strengthened its grip, increasing its vote share to 48.13%, while BJP slipped to 35.22%.
The emergence of AAP in 2015 dealt another setback to BJP, with its vote share falling to 32.19%, while AAP dominated with 54.34%. The 2020 elections saw a slight improvement for the BJP (33.07%), but AAP once again emerged victorious with 53.57%.
With the 2025 elections marking BJP’s return to power, the political landscape of Delhi has dramatically shifted, setting the stage for a new era in the capital.