The 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election, held on February 5, 2025, marked a significant political event in India’s capital territory. The election witnessed a keen contest primarily between the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the Indian National Congress (INC) also vying for influence. The results, declared on February 8, 2025, indicated a substantial shift in the political landscape of Delhi.

Background

In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP secured a decisive victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed only eight seats. Arvind Kejriwal continued as Chief Minister for a third consecutive term. However, in September 2024, Kejriwal resigned following his arrest on corruption charges related to Delhi’s liquor policy. Atishi Marlena was appointed as the new Chief Minister in his stead.

Campaigns and Key Issues

The election campaigns were marked by intense competition and a focus on various issues:

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Despite the setback of Kejriwal’s resignation, AAP emphasized its track record in improving public services, including education, healthcare, and utilities. The party introduced schemes like the Mahila Samman Yojana, offering monthly financial assistance to women, and the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, providing financial aid to temple priests and gurdwara granthis.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed to capitalize on AAP’s recent controversies. The party’s manifesto focused on welfare and governance, proposing initiatives such as the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, which promised Rs 2,500 per month to women, and increased pensions for senior citizens and widows. The BJP also pledged to implement central schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which had been previously blocked by the AAP government.

Indian National Congress (INC): The Congress party sought to regain its foothold in Delhi by addressing issues like pollution, inflation, and unemployment. Their campaign included the Dilli Nyay Yatra, a month-long initiative highlighting these concerns. The party promised universal health insurance covering costs up to ₹25 lakhs for all Delhi residents and introduced the Pyari Didi Yojana, proposing financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month to women.


Election Results

The election results marked a significant change in Delhi’s political scenario. The BJP achieved a majority in the 70-member assembly, a notable comeback after over two decades. This victory was seen as a resurgence for the party following its loss of a parliamentary majority in June 2024.

The AAP, which had governed Delhi for two consecutive terms, faced a considerable decline in support, attributed to the corruption allegations against its leadership. The INC, despite its efforts, continued to struggle in regaining significant influence in the region.

Factors Influencing the Outcome

Several factors contributed to the election outcome:

Corruption Allegations: The arrest and subsequent resignation of Arvind Kejriwal on corruption charges significantly impacted AAP’s image. The BJP leveraged these allegations to question the party’s integrity and governance.

Welfare Promises: Both AAP and BJP engaged in offering various welfare schemes to attract voters. While AAP had a history of providing free utilities and services, the BJP’s promises of financial assistance and subsidies resonated with a broad section of the electorate.

Economic Considerations: The BJP’s focus on economic issues, including tax reductions and incentives for the middle class, appealed to voters amid an economic slowdown. The recent federal budget, which reduced income taxes for the salaried middle class, also played a role in garnering support.


Implications and Future Prospects

The BJP’s victory in Delhi is expected to have significant implications:

Policy Implementation: With control over the Delhi assembly, the BJP is poised to implement its proposed welfare schemes and central policies, potentially leading to changes in the city’s governance and development priorities.

Political Dynamics: The election results may alter the political dynamics in Delhi, with the BJP strengthening its position and AAP reassessing its strategies and leadership.

National Impact: The BJP’s success in Delhi could bolster its momentum in upcoming state elections and influence its approach in national politics, especially in addressing urban issues and middle-class concerns.


In conclusion, the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election has reshaped the political landscape of the capital, reflecting the electorate’s response to recent developments and setting the stage for future governance under the BJP’s leadership.