As the results of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections unfold, one high-profile contest has captured the attention of the entire nation: the race between Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, and BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the New Delhi constituency. Kejriwal, who has held the seat since 2013, is facing an uphill battle as early trends show him alternating between leading and trailing Verma by very slim margins. This neck-and-neck contest comes amidst the backdrop of several controversies that have seriously tarnished his reputation.
Will Kejriwal secure a fourth consecutive term as Delhi’s Chief Minister? The countdown to the final results, set to be declared on February 8, is filled with suspense, as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appears to be losing ground in key constituencies to the resurgent opposition. The political landscape in Delhi has dramatically shifted, especially in the wake of corruption investigations against the AAP leadership, which have cast a shadow on Kejriwal’s otherwise successful tenure.
From Social Crusader to Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal’s journey into politics was rooted in his anti-corruption activism. A mechanical engineer from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, Kejriwal’s career took a notable turn when he joined the Income Tax department, before stepping into the public arena with his work at Parivartan, an organization focused on using India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act to hold the government accountable.
His role in popularizing RTI and empowering citizens to audit government projects earned him the Ramon Magsaysay award in 2006. His involvement in the landmark 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare solidified his standing as a social crusader, ultimately inspiring him to found the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) later that year. The party’s commitment to eradicating corruption resonated with a large segment of the electorate, and Kejriwal’s promise of a cleaner, more transparent political system quickly gained traction.
The 2013 Breakthrough and the 2015 Resurgence
Kejriwal’s rise in Delhi politics was nothing short of meteoric. In the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP made an unexpected breakthrough, with Kejriwal defeating the veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit by over 25,000 votes. The victory, however, was short-lived. Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister after just 49 days, citing the failure of his party to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Assembly. This resignation was a strategic move, presenting him as a principled politician who was willing to give up power for the sake of his ideals.
The resignation did not diminish his popularity. In the 2015 Delhi elections, AAP delivered a stunning victory, winning 67 of the 70 seats in the Assembly. Kejriwal returned to power with a resounding mandate, promising to deliver on his anti-corruption platform. The 2020 elections saw another victory for AAP, as Kejriwal’s leadership continued to define the political narrative in Delhi.
Challenges and Controversies: A Tarnished Image
However, Kejriwal’s current political fortunes are being threatened by several controversies that have eroded his once-clean image. The most prominent among these is the corruption investigation launched by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is scrutinizing the now-scrapped liquor policy that allowed private vendors to take over the liquor trade in Delhi. Kejriwal has found himself embroiled in this investigation, becoming the third AAP leader to be arrested in connection with the case.
This investigation, which has cast a long shadow over Kejriwal and his party, has had significant repercussions on AAP’s image, particularly as the elections draw near. Kejriwal, known for his anti-corruption rhetoric, has vehemently denounced the ED’s inquiry, calling it politically motivated and claiming that the charges against him are vague and unfounded. He remains adamant in his defense, claiming that the summons issued by the ED were “generic” and “illegal.”
The 2025 Election: A Crossroads for Kejriwal and AAP
As Delhi’s electorate heads to the polls in 2025, Kejriwal faces an uncertain future. The early trends indicate that he is trailing behind BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the New Delhi constituency—a seat that Kejriwal has held since 2013. The New Delhi seat has historically been a stronghold for Congress, but in recent years, it has seen fierce competition from both BJP and AAP.
The BJP’s strong performance in the 2024 general elections, where their candidate Bansuri Swaraj defeated AAP’s Somnath Bharti by a huge margin, has raised expectations for the party in the 2025 Assembly polls. The party is determined to make a statement by defeating Kejriwal in this high-profile contest.
If Kejriwal loses his seat, it could spell trouble for AAP’s larger ambitions of retaining control over Delhi. However, if he emerges victorious, it would be a testament to his political resilience, and his ability to overcome the hurdles posed by multiple controversies.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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