Common man’s revenge: on the Delhi Assembly election result 

The outcome of the Delhi Assembly elections is less about the expansion of the BJP and more about the dramatic collapse of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The BJP has returned to power after over 26 years, while the AAP, a political force that rose spectacularly in 2013, has been swept away. However, this shift does not signify a sudden change in Delhi’s political landscape. Since 2014, the BJP has maintained significant control over governance through the Lieutenant Governor, municipal corporations, the Union Urban Development Ministry, and the Delhi Police (Union Home Ministry). Additionally, it has won all seven Lok Sabha seats across three general elections. AAP’s rise was rooted in its appeal to Delhi’s middle class, transitioning from an anti-corruption movement into a political entity that initially captivated voters with its fresh rhetoric against the traditional political establishment. However, its governance style soon became synonymous with reckless populism, a cynical approach to politics, and an increasingly coarse political discourse. While it sought to consolidate power through unchecked welfarism, the effectiveness of governance declined, and its credibility began to erode. The final blow came when serious corruption allegations surfaced, culminating in revelations that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had spent approximately ₹52.7 crore of public funds to refurbish his official residence. This exposed the contradiction between AAP’s founding ideals and its actions while in power, leaving its integrity in tatters.

For the BJP, this decisive victory presents fresh opportunities. The party can now focus on improving infrastructure, civic amenities, and governance, areas that could help it score quick wins. Its grip on the Hindi heartland is now reinforced as Delhi’s political and economic dynamics are tied with those of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. Meanwhile, Mr. Kejriwal’s ambitions of positioning himself as a national alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi have suffered a severe setback if not a complete collapse. His strategy of securing Muslim voters as a captive support base has also faltered. More broadly, AAP’s downfall has implications for the non-BJP Opposition. The assumption that the 2024 general election results signalled a fundamental shift against the BJP now appears unfounded. The Opposition parties must reassess their strategies if they hope to challenge the ruling party effectively. The Congress, despite drawing a blank, might be encouraged by AAP’s defeat, but it could also face challenges to its helming of the INDIA bloc as it faces criticism for not helping build a common front against the BJP.