BJP Leads in Competitive Delhi Election Results

As counting progresses, BJP aims for a critical win in the capital, impacting national politics.

In a closely contested election in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is taking an early lead, as initial counts show it ahead in 41 out of 70 legislative assembly seats. The incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, trails with leads in 28 seats according to the Election Commission of India. With more than 60% of Delhi's 15 million eligible voters participating, these early counts could shift as the day progresses.

Winning over 35 seats is crucial for a party to form the governing body, making this election a prestige contest for both BJP and AAP. Exit polls had initially forecasted a majority for the BJP, although historical inaccuracies in these predictions caution analysts. Delhi, a region governed by the AAP since 2013, has witnessed the party's reputation challenged amidst ongoing corruption allegations, which they firmly deny.

For the BJP, regaining control in Delhi is not just about winning seats but establishing a stronghold in the capital after 27 years out of power. The party has recently seen success in other states and has aggressively campaigned in Delhi, with high-profile figures such as Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah actively participating in rallies.

The Congress party, while present in the election, is facing a bleak outlook after its own decline that began in 2013, when it lost the capital over corruption claims. Many voters have since favored the AAP and its focus on welfare policies.

The unique governance structure of Delhi, where significant decisions regarding public order and police come from the lieutenant governor appointed by the federal government, has shaped the political debate, leading both major parties to focus predominantly on public services rather than divisive political issues.

The outcome of this election may have broader implications for national politics, particularly for Modi, following last year’s general elections where the BJP lost its outright majority. A potential win in Delhi would reinforce Modi's standing among voters and deliver a significant setback for AAP, a party that had garnered initial praise for its commitment to improving education and health services.

Key figures such as Kejriwal have recently found themselves amidst controversy, with allegations of corruption complicating their political narrative. He has been accused of political persecution by the BJP—a claim the ruling party refutes. Meanwhile, both parties addressed welfare in their campaigns, with the BJP promising substantial reductions in Delhi’s air pollution rates if victorious, although this critical issue was conspicuously absent from much of the campaign discussions.