The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections have garnered significant attention, with exit polls suggesting a potential shift in the city’s political landscape. As per televised exit polls on February 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is projected to secure an absolute majority in the 70-member assembly, marking a notable resurgence after its underwhelming performance in the previous general elections.
1. Exit Poll Projections
- Exit polls suggest a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi.
- BJP is projected to win a comfortable majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.
- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has ruled Delhi since 2015, is expected to lose power.
- The Congress Party, once dominant in Delhi, continues to struggle for relevance.
- However, exit polls have a history of inaccuracies, and the final results will be announced on February 8, 2025.
2. Historical Context
- AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, came to power in Delhi in 2015, promising corruption-free governance and improved public services.
- It won 67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and 62 seats in 2020, dominating Delhi politics.
- BJP has not been in power in Delhi since 1998, when Congress ruled under Sheila Dikshit.
- In previous elections, BJP struggled to compete with AAP’s popular welfare schemes such as free water, electricity, and healthcare.
- In 2025, BJP focused its campaign on corruption allegations against AAP, hoping to break AAP’s stronghold in Delhi.
3. Factors Behind BJP’s Resurgence
(a) Strong Organizational Presence
- BJP maintained booth-level management across all 70 constituencies.
- It successfully mobilized voters and expanded its reach beyond traditional support bases.
(b) Targeting Corruption Allegations Against AAP
- BJP aggressively campaigned against the Delhi liquor policy scam, linking AAP leaders to corruption.
- Kejriwal’s arrest before elections on alleged corruption charges was a major talking point.
- The “Sheesh Mahal” controversy (AAP’s alleged misuse of public funds for Kejriwal’s residence) was highlighted.
(c) Modi’s Campaign and Leadership Appeal
- PM Narendra Modi personally campaigned, promoting a “double-engine” government (BJP at both central and state levels).
- His popularity among urban voters and his national image as a strong leader helped BJP.
- BJP avoided naming a Chief Minister candidate, instead focusing on Modi’s leadership.
(d) Countering AAP’s Welfare Policies
- AAP’s success was largely due to free power, water, education, and healthcare schemes.
- BJP promised to continue welfare programs while ensuring “transparent governance.”
- BJP also targeted middle-class voters who were unhappy with AAP’s policies.
4. Challenges for BJP Despite Strong Exit Polls
(a) No Clear Chief Ministerial Face
- BJP did not project a clear CM candidate, which led to internal disagreements.
- The party relied on turncoats from AAP and Congress, which caused resentment among local BJP workers.
(b) Overcoming AAP’s Welfare Model
- Many voters benefited from AAP’s free schemes, and BJP had to convince them that these schemes would continue under its rule.
- Modi assured that the existing social benefits would not be discontinued under BJP.
(c) Countering AAP’s Grassroots Support
- AAP still has a strong support base among lower-income groups, especially those relying on its Mohalla Clinics, free bus rides for women, and school reforms.
- BJP needed to convince these voters that its governance would be better and more corruption-free.
5. Congress Party’s Position in 2025 Elections
- Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi, failed to win any seats in 2020.
- In 2025, it contested all 70 seats independently, hoping for a revival.
- The party focused on reconnecting with traditional voters in rural Delhi and low-income areas.
- Congress leaders claimed that both AAP and BJP failed to address local governance issues.
6. Public Opinion and Polling Trends
- Various opinion polls showed a tight contest, but BJP had a slight edge.
- RMN poll results:
- BJP – 37%
- Congress – 32%
- AAP – 31%
- While BJP led in exit polls, AAP retained strong support in urban poor settlements.
7. Key Issues That Influenced Voters
(a) Corruption Allegations Against AAP
- The BJP campaigned heavily on corruption cases involving AAP leaders.
- Many voters questioned AAP’s ethical governance.
(b) Performance of Delhi Government
- AAP highlighted its success in healthcare and education.
- BJP countered by saying these schemes were funded by the central government, not AAP.
(c) Religious and Nationalist Sentiments
- BJP promoted Hindutva and nationalist narratives, appealing to its core voter base.
- Issues like the Ram Temple and national security played a role.
8. Looking Ahead – What Happens Next?
- The final results will be announced on February 8, 2025.
- If BJP wins, it will end AAP’s decade-long rule in Delhi.
- If AAP retains power, it will be a major setback for BJP’s state-level aspirations.
- Congress’ performance will determine if it has any future in Delhi politics.
9. Conclusion
- The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are a major political event, with BJP emerging as the likely winner.
- The results will shape the future of governance in the national capital.
- As the vote counting progresses, all eyes will be on how Delhi’s political landscape transforms.
