New Delhi – Agency
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to return to power in Delhi after a 27-year drought, with the party leading in at least 46 seats as per the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had been registering landslide victories in Delhi since 2015, is trailing behind with 24 seats. So, what are the key factors behind the BJP’s victory?
- Income Tax Cuts: The Union Budget 2025 announced income tax cuts for those having an annual income of up to ₹12 lakh, providing major relief to the middle class ¹.
- 8th Pay Commission: The announcement of the 8th Pay Commission, which will revive salaries of nearly 50 lakh central government employees, is also seen as a factor contributing to the BJP’s surge.
- Anti-Incumbency: The AAP’s involvement in corruption scandals, including the liquor policy scam, and its negligible action on air and water pollution, may have led to an anti-incumbency wave in Delhi.
- Corruption Taint: The ‘sheeshmahal’ scam, which involves allegations of Arvind Kejriwal misusing public funds to create a lavish residence, may have also hurt the AAP’s chances.
- Purvanchali Votes: The BJP’s lead in six constituencies in North East Delhi, which has the most Purvanchali seats, suggests that the Purvanchali voters may have swung in favor of the BJP.
- Yamuna Poisoning Allegations: Arvind Kejriwal’s allegations of poison in Yamuna may have also backfired, with many Delhiites not taking kindly to the remark.
These factors combined seem to have contributed to the BJP’s victory in Delhi, ending the AAP’s decade-long rule in the national capital.
