Modi's BJP wins big in high-stakes Delhi election

In a significant election held in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has achieved a remarkable victory. This win is particularly important for Modi and his party, as they have not held power in Delhi for nearly three decades. The BJP has either won or is leading in 48 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi legislative assembly, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which was previously in power, is leading in only 22 seats. To form a government, a party must secure more than half of the seats, which means at least 35 seats. Modi expressed his satisfaction with the results, stating, 'Development wins, good governance triumphs,' and assured that his party would work tirelessly to enhance the development of Delhi. This election was a matter of prestige for both the BJP and AAP, given the symbolic significance of Delhi as the capital of India. The AAP has been in power since 2013, and many voters supported them due to their strong focus on welfare programs. However, the party has faced several challenges recently, including serious allegations of corruption, which they have denied. For the BJP, winning in Delhi is not just about electoral success; it represents a crucial foothold in the nation's capital after being out of power since 1998. The party invested significant resources into their campaign, with Modi and other key leaders, such as Home Minister Amit Shah, actively participating in various events. The Congress party, which is the main opposition party at the national level, also contested the election but failed to secure any seats. The Congress party had governed Delhi from 1998 to 2013 but lost power due to corruption allegations, which led voters to support the AAP instead. Since then, the Congress party has struggled to regain its influence in the region. More than 60% of eligible voters in Delhi participated in the election, indicating a high level of public interest in the outcome. Experts believe that this victory will further bolster Modi's popularity among Indian voters, especially after his party lost its outright majority in the previous year's elections. The defeat is a significant setback for the AAP, a smaller party that was once praised for its focus on improving education and healthcare in the city. The AAP also governs the state of Punjab, but retaining control of Delhi would have been a significant achievement for the party, which now faces uncertainty about its future. Notably, some of the AAP's top leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, suffered defeats in their respective constituencies, which came as a surprise to many. The current Chief Minister, Atishi, managed to secure a narrow victory in her area. In a video message, Kejriwal acknowledged the election results, stating that he and his party 'humbly accepted' the people's verdict and congratulated the BJP on their success. He expressed hope that the BJP would meet the expectations of the voters who supported them. Most exit polls had predicted a clear majority for the BJP, although such predictions have not always been accurate in the past. The BJP's campaign heavily targeted the AAP, particularly focusing on the corruption allegations that led to the imprisonment of some of its leaders. Kejriwal has accused Modi's party of engaging in a 'political vendetta' against him and the AAP, a claim that the BJP denies. The Supreme Court had imposed bail conditions that prevented Kejriwal from entering his office or signing important documents. He ultimately resigned from his position just days after being released from prison. This election was crucial for both parties, and the results will undoubtedly shape the future of Delhi and its residents.