The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is projected to reclaim control of the Delhi Assembly after 27 years, potentially removing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal from power. The counting of votes for all 70 Delhi assembly seats occurred on February 8, following the election on February 5. Exit polls largely anticipated a BJP victory, though the AAP hoped to secure a third consecutive term.
The Congress party is expected to win a maximum of three seats. Key AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, faced initial setbacks, with Kejriwal ultimately losing his seat. The approximate voter turnout was 60.54%, with the North East district recording the highest percentage.
AAP Heavyweights Trail as BJP Leads
The Delhi Assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 60.54%. In the 2020 elections, AAP had won 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP won eight. According to early poll trends, AAP leaders such as Arvind Kejriwal (contesting from New Delhi), Atishi (Kalkaji), and Manish Sisodia (Jangpura) were initially trailing in their constituencies. While Atishi eventually won Kalkaji, Saurabh Bharadwaj lost Greater Kailash, and Arvind Kejriwal lost the New Delhi seat to Parvesh Verma.
A Shift in Delhi’s Political Arena
With the BJP potentially forming a government in Delhi for the first time in over two decades, these results indicate a major shift in the political landscape. The AAP, which dominated the last two assembly polls in Delhi, faces considerable challenges. The Congress party, which previously held Delhi for 15 years, has struggled to regain its footing in recent elections. Tensions flared on the eve of counting, with the AAP alleging that the Election Commission was not releasing booth-wise data.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The likely return of the BJP in Delhi represents a critical moment for the city. As citizens, fostering constructive dialogue, empathy, and understanding during this transition is our responsibility. The focus must remain on policies and governance that promote harmony, peace, and coexistence. How can we, as a community, ensure that the incoming government prioritises inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice for all Delhi residents?
