After 27 years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a resounding comeback in Delhi, securing 47 out of 70 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which ruled for a decade, was reduced to 23 seats. The victory is a major political shift in the national capital, marking the end of AAP’s dominance and further sidelining the Congress, which failed to open its account yet again. But what led to this decisive win for BJP? Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that contributed to AAP’s decline and BJP’s rise in the Delhi Assembly Election 2025.
Getting the Caste Equation Right
Unlike previous elections, BJP strategically targeted different caste groups in Delhi, ensuring a broad voter base. The Purvanchali vote, traditionally split between AAP and Congress, saw a significant shift towards the BJP due to targeted outreach and promises of economic benefits. Additionally, traders, middle-class professionals, and Dalits—key voting blocs in Delhi—leaned towards the BJP, dissatisfied with AAP’s governance and policies.
Setting the Right Narrative
The BJP effectively controlled the election narrative, focusing on development, governance, and nationalism, while placing AAP on the defensive over issues like the excise policy scam, the ‘Sheeshmahal’ controversy, and lack of urban infrastructure improvements. The BJP leadership consistently projected AAP as corrupt and inefficient, eroding public trust in the ruling party.
Choice of Candidates
Unlike AAP, which largely relied on existing MLAs and party loyalists, the BJP carefully selected strong candidates with local influence. The party fielded well-known professionals, business leaders, and grassroots leaders who resonated with voters. This approach, coupled with the absence of a declared CM face, allowed the BJP to leverage PM Modi’s popularity as the central campaign figure.
Corruption-Free Image of BJP
One of the biggest blows to AAP in this election was the series of corruption allegations against its leadership, including the excise policy case and controversies surrounding government expenditures. The BJP capitalized on its relatively clean image, aggressively contrasting its governance model with the corruption charges against AAP leaders. The promise of a transparent, accountable administration helped BJP gain the trust of undecided voters.
Income Tax and Middle-Class Support
With 67% of Delhi’s population classified as middle class, BJP’s policies catered directly to this segment. The announcement of the 8th Pay Commission and major income tax relief, including exemptions for incomes up to ₹12 lakh, appealed to salaried professionals and business owners. AAP’s freebie-driven model, which primarily benefited slum dwellers, alienated middle-class taxpayers, who felt burdened by the cost of funding these subsidies. The BJP positioned itself as the party empowering the middle class, and this shift played a crucial role in the election outcome.
Implications of BJP’s Victory
For AAP, the defeat is a major setback that could weaken its influence in other states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa. AAP’s national ambitions may take a hit as it struggles to recover from this loss. For BJP, this win reaffirms its dominance in Indian politics and strengthens its momentum ahead of Bihar and other state elections. For Congress, the party continues its downward spiral in Delhi, failing to make an impact despite its historical stronghold in the capital.
With BJP’s return to power in Delhi, the political landscape of the city has shifted dramatically. As AAP regroups and BJP prepares to deliver on its promises, all eyes are now on what lies ahead for Delhi’s governance.