NEW DELHI — In a significant political development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party, known for its Hindu nationalist stance, achieved a major victory in the recent state legislature elections within India’s federal territory, which includes the capital city of New Delhi. According to official results released on Saturday, this marks the first time in over 25 years that Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won the most seats in the local assembly.
The BJP secured 40 out of 70 seats in the assembly, marking a decisive win against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had been in control of New Delhi since 2015. The AAP managed to win only 17 seats, with the remaining still under count, amounting to 13 undecided seats. This election was particularly noteworthy due to the defeat of key AAP figures, including founder Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia. Both leaders had previously garnered strong support through welfare programs and a robust anti-corruption platform.
As the election results began to come in, enthusiastic BJP supporters celebrated outside the party headquarters, waving flags and displaying posters of Modi, echoing chants of victory in response to favorable exit poll predictions pointing towards a BJP win. Amit Shah, an influential leader within the BJP and India’s home minister, remarked that the election outcomes reflect public sentiment, asserting that “people can’t be misled with lies every time.” He expressed that their success highlights the citizens’ trust in Modi’s vision for progress.
Voter turnout exceeded 60%, with more than 15 million eligible voters participating in the election held on Wednesday. The BJP’s success is considered a rebound after it struggled to secure a majority on its own in the previous national elections, ultimately forming a government with coalition allies. Since then, the party has experienced a revival, winning two state elections in the northern Haryana region and western Maharashtra last year.
Before the elections, Modi’s administration made significant tax cuts for the salaried middle class, an important demographic for the party. Both Modi and Kejriwal campaigned on promises to improve public schools and provide free health services, along with offering financial support of over 2,000 rupees (approximately $25) monthly to impoverished women.
Controversy surrounded the AAP during this election cycle, as Kejriwal was arrested last year alongside key party members due to allegations of accepting bribes from a liquor distributor—a claim they vehemently deny, framing it as a politically motivated conspiracy. The Supreme Court later granted them bail. Following this event, Kejriwal stepped down as chief minister, passing the leadership to senior party figure Atishi, who also claimed victory on election night.
Opposition parties expressed outrage over the arrest of Kejriwal, condemning the Modi administration for allegedly utilizing federal investigative agencies to intimidate and undermine political rivals. They highlighted ongoing raids, arrests, and corruption inquiries aimed at leading opposition figures prior to the national elections.
Kejriwal founded the AAP in 2012 in response to widespread public discontent regarding corruption in government. His policies, which focus on enhancing public education and providing affordable electricity, alongside free healthcare and bus transportation for women, have marked the party’s platform. In the previous 2020 state elections, the AAP dominated by winning 62 of the 70 available seats, leaving the BJP with only eight and the Congress party without any representation. The Congress party itself had removed the BJP from power in Delhi back in 1998, maintaining governance for a solid 15 years.
