Kejriwal vs. Modi vs. Congress: The High-Stakes Delhi Election 2025

The Delhi Assembly elections have reached a critical juncture, with the political battlefield intensifying as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress engage in a fierce contest. Having dominated the last two elections in 2015 and 2020, AAP now faces a more competitive and unpredictable race. The BJP is making an aggressive push to reclaim power in the capital, while Congress is striving to regain relevance after nearly a decade on the sidelines. For AAP, this election is not just about retaining control but also about demonstrating its resilience in the face of mounting challenges.

The Political Context

Delhi has been a stronghold for AAP since 2015, when Arvind Kejriwal led the party to a landslide victory, decimating both the BJP and Congress. The party repeated its success in 2020, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed to secure only 8 seats. The Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi, failed to win a single seat in both elections. However, the 2025 elections are different. The BJP, buoyed by its strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2022 municipal polls, is leaving no stone unturned to challenge AAP’s dominance. Meanwhile, the Congress is attempting to revive its fortunes by targeting AAP’s governance record and positioning itself as a viable alternative.

The Key Players

1. Arvind Kejriwal (AAP): The Delhi Chief Minister and AAP’s national convener is the face of the party. Kejriwal’s governance model, focusing on education, healthcare, and free utilities, has been widely praised. However, this time, he faces significant challenges, including anti-incumbency, internal dissent, and a resurgent BJP.

2. BJP’s Strategy: The BJP has not projected a chief ministerial candidate, instead relying on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and its national narrative of development and nationalism. The party has also targeted AAP over issues like corruption, water and electricity shortages, and law and order.

3. Congress’s Revival Bid: The Congress, led by Delhi unit chief Arvinder Singh Lovely, is trying to position itself as a credible alternative. However, the party’s lack of a strong grassroots presence and internal factionalism remain major hurdles.

The Electoral Dynamics

This election is marked by several key dynamics that make it one of the most intriguing in recent years:

1. AAP’s Governance Record: AAP’s performance in education and healthcare has been its biggest selling point. The party has highlighted its work in building schools, improving healthcare infrastructure, and providing free electricity and water. However, critics argue that these initiatives have not addressed deeper structural issues like unemployment and pollution.

2. BJP’s Aggressive Campaign: The BJP has launched a no-holds-barred campaign, targeting AAP over alleged corruption and governance failures. The party has also focused on polarizing issues, aiming to consolidate its Hindu voter base. The BJP’s ground-level mobilization, coupled with its strong organizational machinery, makes it a formidable opponent.

3. Congress’s Struggle for Relevance: The Congress is attempting to position itself as a centrist alternative, criticizing both AAP and BJP. However, the party’s lack of a clear narrative and weak organizational structure have limited its impact. The Congress’s hopes largely rest on splitting the anti-BJP vote, which could indirectly benefit AAP.

Key Constituencies and Candidates

Several high-profile constituencies and candidates are in the spotlight this election:

1. New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal is contesting from this seat, which has been his stronghold since 2013. However, this time, the BJP has fielded a strong candidate, making the contest more challenging for Kejriwal.

2. Kalkaji: AAP’s Atishi, a prominent leader and education reform advocate, is facing a tough battle. Reports suggest that voter dissatisfaction and a strong BJP campaign could jeopardize her chances.

3. Patparganj: Manish Sisodia, AAP’s deputy chief minister and a key architect of the party’s education reforms, is contesting from this seat. However, internal dissent and a strong BJP candidate have made this a closely watched contest.

4. Greater Kailash: Saurabh Bhardwaj, another senior AAP leader, is expected to retain his seat due to his strong local connect and the BJP’s inability to field a strong candidate.

Challenges for AAP

AAP faces several challenges in this election:

Anti-Incumbency: After nearly a decade in power, AAP is grappling with anti-incumbency, with voters expressing dissatisfaction over issues like water shortages, pollution, and unemployment.

Internal Dissent: Several AAP workers and leaders have reportedly switched allegiance to the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with Kejriwal’s leadership style.

BJP’s Strong Campaign: The BJP’s aggressive campaign, coupled with its organizational strength, poses a significant threat to AAP’s dominance.

The Road Ahead

The Delhi Assembly elections are a litmus test for all three major parties. For AAP, it is about proving that its governance model can withstand anti-incumbency and a resurgent BJP. For the BJP, it is about reclaiming Delhi and consolidating its position ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. For the Congress, it is about regaining relevance in a state where it has been marginalized for nearly a decade.

As the campaign intensifies, the focus will be on key constituencies and high-profile candidates. The outcome of this election will not only shape Delhi’s political future but also have broader implications for national politics. With voting day approaching, all eyes are on Delhi as it prepares to decide its next government.

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most closely contested battles in recent years. While AAP remains the frontrunner, the BJP’s aggressive campaign and the Congress’s revival bid have added new dimensions to the contest. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question on everyone’s mind is whether AAP can retain its dominance or if the BJP will stage a comeback. One thing is certain: the results will have far-reaching consequences for Delhi and Indian politics as a whole.