Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the high-stakes New Delhi state legislature elections, winning the most seats in India’s capital for the first time in over a quarter-century, official data confirmed on Saturday.
The BJP claimed 47 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, ousting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had governed the city since 2015. AAP managed to secure only 22 seats, while the result for one remaining constituency was yet to be announced, according to the Election Commission of India.
India’s main opposition party, Congress, failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive election cycle.
In a major upset, AAP’s leader and founder, Arvind Kejriwal, along with his deputy, Manish Sisodia, lost their seats despite the party’s stronghold in Delhi over the past decade. AAP had built its support base through extensive welfare policies and a strong anti-corruption stance.
“We accept the mandate of the people with great humility,” Kejriwal said in a video statement while congratulating the BJP. He expressed hope that the new government would fulfill its election promises.
“We have worked extensively in health, education, and infrastructure over the last 10 years,” he added. “We will not only serve as a constructive opposition but will also remain among the people and continue working for them.”
As vote counts rolled in, BJP supporters flooded the streets outside the party’s headquarters, waving flags, chanting slogans, and dancing in celebration. Many carried posters of Prime Minister Modi as they rejoiced in the party’s victory.
Amit Shah, India’s home minister and a key BJP strategist, described the election outcome as proof that “people can’t be misled with lies every time.” He asserted that under Modi’s leadership, the BJP would transform New Delhi into “the world’s No. 1 capital by fulfilling all promises.”
“Our victory is a sign of the people’s faith in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of progress,” Shah declared in a statement.
The BJP’s win in Delhi is seen as a significant political boost after the party failed to secure a parliamentary majority in last year’s general elections. While the BJP still formed the national government with coalition allies, its dominance was challenged.
However, the party has since regained momentum, winning two key state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra last year. Ahead of the Delhi election, Modi’s administration announced income tax cuts for the salaried middle class, a crucial voting bloc.
Both Modi and Kejriwal campaigned on promises to improve public services, including revamping government schools, expanding free healthcare, and providing subsidized electricity. They also pledged a monthly stipend of over 2,000 rupees ($25) to low-income women.
Kejriwal and two senior AAP leaders were arrested last year on charges of accepting bribes from a liquor distributor. They denied the accusations, calling them a politically motivated attack by the BJP-led central government.
The Supreme Court later granted them bail, allowing Kejriwal to resume political activities. However, he stepped down as Delhi’s chief minister, handing over leadership to senior AAP member Atishi, who successfully defended her seat in Saturday’s election.
With BJP now in control of the Delhi government, attention will turn to whether the party fulfills its promises on infrastructure, public welfare, and economic development in the capital. Meanwhile, AAP faces the challenge of rebuilding after a major electoral setback.
The election outcome marks a turning point for Delhi’s political landscape, setting the stage for new leadership and policies under BJP rule after 27 years.
