New Delhi: In a historic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ended the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long rule in Delhi, securing a decisive victory in the 2025 Assembly elections. The BJP is set to win around 48 seats, while AAP is expected to secure 22 seats out of the total 70. With this win, the saffron party is returning to power in the national capital after 27 years, as the Congress fails to open its account for the third consecutive term.
Five Key Factors Behind BJP’s Victory
1. Countering AAP’s Freebie Model
The BJP strategically adopted AAP’s welfare-driven approach, previously criticized by the party, and turned it into an electoral advantage. By supporting the continuation of schemes like free electricity and water, the BJP neutralized AAP’s biggest voter draw.
2. Income Tax Rebate for Middle-Class Voters
The Union Budget 2025 played a crucial role in influencing voter sentiment, particularly in Delhi’s middle-class pockets. The announcement of an income tax rebate for those earning up to ₹12 lakh provided a major boost to BJP’s campaign, helping it secure a significant portion of the middle and upper-class votes.
3. Implementation of the 8th Pay Commission
The Union Government’s decision to implement the 8th Pay Commission from 2026 proved beneficial for BJP’s electoral prospects. With nearly four lakh government employees in Delhi, including defence personnel and state government workers, the promise of higher wages and benefits worked in BJP’s favor.
4. Women-Centric Welfare Policies
The BJP leveraged successful schemes like the Ladli Behan Yojana, which provides monthly financial assistance to women, a model that has worked in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In contrast, AAP’s failure to implement a similar scheme in Punjab likely contributed to its setback in Delhi. BJP’s commitment to existing welfare schemes further solidified support among women voters.
5. Unexpected Gains Among Muslim Voters
A surprising outcome of the elections was BJP’s improved performance in Muslim-majority constituencies, including Mustafabad. This suggests that the party successfully mobilized a section of Muslim voters, further boosting its overall vote share and influencing the final results.
Strategic Candidate Placement
The BJP’s decision to field heavyweight leaders like Parvesh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri against AAP stalwarts such as Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi added momentum to its campaign. This move not only energized BJP’s cadre but also intensified the contest in key constituencies, ultimately tilting the election in its favor.
With the AAP facing a significant setback and Congress continuing its decline, the BJP’s return to power in Delhi marks a new political chapter for the national capital. The results indicate a changing voter sentiment, influenced by economic policies, governance promises, and a strategic electoral approach.
