Delhi Elections 2025: Will Kejriwal’s Defeat Signal the End of AAP?

The political atmosphere in Delhi is charged as the national capital gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections. With all 70 seats set to go to the polls on February 5, the election is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Indian National Congress. Campaigning concluded today, with all major parties making their final appeals to voters through roadshows, rallies, and public addresses. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who will form the next government in Delhi?

The Contenders and Their Claims

The election is a three-way battle, with AAP seeking to retain its dominance, BJP aiming to reclaim power, and Congress hoping to revive its presence in the capital. AAP leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed confidence in his party’s performance, predicting a win of 55-60 seats. He has urged voters, particularly women, to support AAP, emphasizing the party’s achievements in providing free electricity, water, and improved healthcare and education.

On the other hand, the BJP is optimistic about securing a majority, claiming that public dissatisfaction with AAP’s governance will work in its favor. The party has criticized AAP for failing to address key issues like poor infrastructure, unclean water, and overflowing drains. BJP leaders have also targeted Kejriwal personally, questioning his credibility and accusing him of making false promises.

Congress, meanwhile, is striving to regain its foothold in Delhi politics. While the party faces an uphill battle, it hopes to capitalize on any anti-incumbency sentiment and present itself as a viable alternative to both AAP and BJP.

Key Issues and Voter Sentiment

The election is being fought on a mix of local and national issues. AAP is banking on its welfare schemes, such as free electricity and water, improved government schools, and accessible healthcare, to win over voters. However, the BJP has countered these claims by highlighting the failures in infrastructure development, sanitation, and water supply. The party has also accused AAP of corruption and mismanagement, particularly in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Public sentiment appears mixed. While some voters appreciate AAP’s initiatives, others express frustration over unfulfilled promises and deteriorating civic conditions. The middle class, government employees, and slum dwellers—key voter segments—are reportedly disillusioned with AAP. Issues like income tax rebates introduced by the central government have further swayed middle-class voters toward the BJP.

Kejriwal’s Seat: A Battleground

One of the most closely watched contests is Arvind Kejriwal’s own seat in New Delhi. Facing strong opposition from BJP’s Pravesh Verma and Sandeep Dixit, Kejriwal’s re-election is far from guaranteed. Analysts suggest that the demographics of his constituency have shifted, with a significant reduction in slum voters and growing discontent among middle-class residents and government employees. Recent incidents, such as protests by the Valmiki community over unmet promises to sanitation workers, have further dented Kejriwal’s prospects.

The Bigger Picture: A Do-or-Die Moment for AAP

For AAP, this election is a critical test of its popularity and governance model. A loss could signal the end of the party’s dominance in Delhi and potentially mark a decline in Arvind Kejriwal’s political career. On the other hand, a victory would reaffirm AAP’s position as a formidable regional force and strengthen its national ambitions.

For the BJP, winning Delhi would be a significant achievement, consolidating its influence in northern India. The party has left no stone unturned in its campaign, leveraging its organizational strength and the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress, though not expected to perform strongly, hopes to make a comeback by positioning itself as a credible alternative to both AAP and BJP.

What Lies Ahead

As Delhi prepares to vote on February 5, the outcome remains uncertain. While AAP’s welfare schemes have won it loyal supporters, the BJP’s focus on governance issues and its strong campaign machinery could tilt the scales in its favor. Congress, though a distant third, could play a spoiler in closely contested seats.

The results, to be announced on February 8, 2025, will not only determine the future of Delhi’s government but also shape the trajectory of Indian politics. Will AAP retain its hold on the capital, or will the BJP stage a comeback? Will Kejriwal’s political career survive this test, or will this election mark the end of an era for AAP? Only time will tell. For now, all eyes are on Delhi as the city prepares to make its choice in what promises to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent years.