In 2025, the BJP ended AAP’s 12-year rule in Delhi with a landslide victory. Key factors included anti-incumbency against AAP, the BJP’s strategic campaign, corruption allegations against AAP, income tax relief targeting middle-class voters, and Congress playing a spoiler role by splitting anti-BJP votes, facilitating the BJP’s success in the state elections.
AAP came in Delhi in 2013 with a huge number of votes, against Congress. It became a complete circle with the BJP outnumbering AAP.
2013 Election Win of AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged from the anti-corruption wave of the Anna movement, positioning itself as a political disruptor with Arvind Kejriwal as the main face of the party. In 2013, it made its debut in governance with congress’s support, only to resign after 49 days.
However, its real breakthrough in Delhi politics came in 2015, when it won a landslide victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi. This time AAP promised to redefine governments policies regarding electricity, water, healthcare, education.
For some time, it seemed unstoppable, winning a second consecutive term in 2020 with huge numbers. However, over time cracks started to appear which led to AAP’s loss in 2025.
BJP’s Comeback
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) wrested power from Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi elections 2025, making a strong comeback after 27 years.
According to the Election Commission, the BJP won 48 of the total 70 assembly seats and the AAP bagged 22 seats. Meanwhille, the congress failed to open its account.
The Factors that Played a Major Role in this Loss
Unfulfilled Promises: After governing Delhi for a decade, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced significant anti-incumbency. While AAP achieved impressive results in health and education during its first two terms, and kept voters happy with power and water subsidies; unfulfilled promises, such as improvement in air quality become major poll issue for them.
Liquor Scam, Dent in Kejriwal’s ‘Imandaar’ image
The image of Kejriwal as a anti- corruption politician suffered a major setback due to several factors, mostly the controversy surrounding the liquor policy.
The BJP accused AAP government of turning Delhi into a ” city of drunkards” with the new policy, and receiving crores in kickback from those who opened the vends.
Flood of freebies but no nest-level development:
While AAP’s welfare schemes, such as free electricity and bus travel for women, initially garnered support, a lack of focus on infrastructure development and maintenance become a major issue.
The poor condition of roads and sewers across Delhi angered the voters, which ultimately cost AAP their control over Delhi.
Kejriwal’s challenge after AAP’s Setback
Kejriwal’s loss after a decade in power, coupled with the defeat of several AAP heavyweights, rises crucial questions about the party’s governance. The AAP, which once held a majority in Delhi assembly, now faces an existential crisis.
Adding to Kejriwal’s problem are multiple legal battels. He was jailed on corruption charges and is currently out on bail. With ongoing investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Kejriwal’s legal troubles are far from over.
Moreover, the Haryana government also has filed a case against Kejriwal under the Disaster Management Act over his statement about “poison” in Yamuna River coming from Haryana.
A Shift in the political landscape for Kejriwal
After his defeat in Delhi elections, Kejriwal is now more focused in Panjab. Kejriwal met the MLAs in Panjab on to discuss their plan for Panjab Elections in 2027.
The meeting was seen as an attempt by the party to assert control after the speculations about instability within the Panjab Government.
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Tiyasa is an enthusiastic journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth and stating them in a compelling story. Whether it's chasing a breaking news story or crafting a deeply researched feature, she believes in the power of words to inform, entertain, and inspire. Apart from writing, she has a passion for learning different languages. When not chasing the deadlines, you can find her engrossed in either books or drama or listening to music, maybe even brainstorming for her next article over a cup of coffee.
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