NEW DELHI — The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is aiming to secure a victory in the upcoming state assembly election in Delhi. With the intention of unseating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has governed the Indian capital for over ten years, the BJP is capitalizing on recent corruption allegations that have plagued the current administration.
Despite not attaining a majority in the national elections last year, the BJP has regained some momentum, having won state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. The party is running against Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, which has garnered substantial support for its effective welfare initiatives. Delhi, home to more than 20 million residents, remains a federal territory that the BJP has not successfully controlled for nearly three decades, despite possessing a notable support base in the area.
Polls open on Wednesday, with results expected on Saturday. Both BJP and AAP leaders have promised to improve government schools, enhance health services, provide free electricity, and introduce a monthly stipend of over 2,000 rupees (approximately $25) for low-income women.
The BJP is particularly optimistic about increasing its previous election tally, buoyed by last week’s budget announcement that reduced taxes for middle-class salaried individuals, a significant voter group for the party. In the previous election in 2020, Kejriwal’s AAP achieved an impressive victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats.
Political analyst Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay noted that while the BJP appears to have an advantage in terms of publicity and resources, displacing the AAP could prove challenging due to its enduring popularity among voters. The Congress party, which is also contesting in Delhi, is predicted to perform poorly, as many experts believe its campaign lacks vigor.
Kejriwal, who presents himself as a champion against corruption, was once Delhi’s top elected official and remains a staunch opponent of Modi. He founded the AAP in 2012, channeling public discontent against the Congress party, primarily stemming from various corruption scandals. His administration has concentrated on improving public services, such as state-run schools, affordable electricity, free healthcare, and subsidized transportation for women.
However, Kejriwal faced legal troubles last year, when he and two prominent AAP leaders were arrested on allegations of bribery related to a liquor distributor. They have consistently denied these claims, deeming them part of a broader political scheme. Following their release on bail, Kejriwal stepped down from his chief minister role, assigning leadership to senior party member Atishi and expressing his commitment to winning back public trust.
Many political analysts believe these arrests reflect an effort by Modi’s administration to misuse government investigative agencies to undermine opposition figures, especially in the lead-up to national elections. There have been numerous raids, arrests, and investigations targeting key opponents during this time.
Historical voting trends in Delhi indicate that voters often differentiate between state and national elections. While the BJP has traditionally been dominant at the national level since Modi’s rise in 2014, Delhi has shown a preference for the AAP in state elections, with the last AAP victory coming in 2015 when it claimed 67 out of 70 seats.
During the campaign, the BJP has publicized corruption allegations against Kejriwal, hoping that such claims will overshadow the party’s welfare initiatives. Nevertheless, Kejriwal has shifted the focus away from the controversies, emphasizing his party’s achievements in improving healthcare and educational services instead. “I am not here for Aam Aadmi Party. I am here for the progress of Delhi. I am here for the progress of your families, and to provide a future for your children,” he expressed at a recent rally.
Kejriwal’s supporters remain steadfast. “All the allegations against Kejriwal are false. When a true leader contests elections, he has to face such struggles. He is with us and he is like our brother,” stated Pooja Lamba, a homemaker from Delhi.
