The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections have brought about dramatic shifts in the political climate of the National Capital, marking the end of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) dominance. The counting of votes began early on February 5, 2025, at 8 AM, and by the evening, results indicated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had secured 48 of the 70 assembly seats, paving the way for their government after over 26 years out of power.
This year's election saw BJP significantly increasing its seat share, moving from just 8 seats in the last election to nearly achieving double, marking the party’s resurgence. The AAP, once the ruling force wielding 62 seats during the previous elections, saw its numbers slashed to 22, putting them far behind the BJP. Congress, remaining absent from the legislative assembly, failed to secure any seats, contrasting sharply with its past standing where it once governed the state.
With approximately 1.55 crore eligible voters, Delhi experienced a voter turnout of 60.54%, indicating strong public participation. Votes were initially tallied from postal ballots before shifting to the results from electronic voting machines (EVMs). Commenting on the significance of the results, one source noted, "The BJP will form a government in Delhi after more than 26 years." This historic upset can be attributed to various factors, including shifting voter preferences seen during the 2022 Municipal Corporation elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where AAP formed alliances but still faced setbacks.
According to reports, the BJP achieved about 45% of the overall vote share, closely followed by AAP at around 43%. Meanwhile, Congress lagged with only about 6%, dramatically lower than the 40% ranges the party boasted during the early 2000s. Such electoral changes reflect the dynamic nature of Delhi's political scenario where each election brings unexpected outcomes.
The contests for several parliamentary seats were closely fought battles, with victory margins varying widely—from as few as 344 votes to over 42,000. Most constituencies demonstrated competitive races primarily between the BJP and AAP, as Congress failed to position itself as a meaningful contender, barely attaining enough support to be considered as runners-up.
Key figures, such as AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, faced tough contests; he was found trailing behind his BJP counterpart Parvesh Verma for the New Delhi constituency. Conversely, AAP's current Chief Minister, Atishi, was leading her contest as of the afternoon counts. Reports detailed how, of the nine key constituencies being closely monitored, BJP led eight—a telling sign of the party's renewed strength.
This election also reflects changing sentiments among Delhi voters. The previously united front of AAP and Congress under the I.N.D.I.A. alliance seemed to falter against BJP's appeal and the voters' shifting allegiances observed from previous local elections. The election results depict not just numbers but also narratives of hope, aspiration, and the necessity for responsiveness deliberated by the electorate.
The historic nature of this election is significant, drawing attention not only for the shift of power but also for the ramifications it holds for national politics. Observers note this could reshape strategies and narratives for upcoming elections outside Delhi, amplifying the voice of BJP’s current stronghold.
Looking forward, the dynamics of daily governance and policy-making within the NCT of Delhi might pivot sharply toward the BJP's manifesto and commitments made during their campaign. With the BJP returning to power after such a lengthy absence, the coming months will likely set the tone for future political strategies on how to govern effectively and respond to the diverse needs of Delhi's large and varied electorate.
Overall, these results will incite discussions about the direction of governance, representation, and public service, highlighting the need for parties, especially AAP and Congress, to reassess their political outreach and connection with constituents to regain ground.