BJP surges in Delhi, AAP faces crushing Defeat
Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) struggles as the BJP moves toward a landslide victory in Delhi after 26 years. Three hours into counting, the BJP led in 48 of 70 seats, while AAP trailed with 22. Congress faced a third straight wipeout.
Kejriwal and ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia lost their seats in New Delhi and Jangpura. However, Chief Minister Atishi secured a win in Kalkaji, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri. BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh, a possible CM candidate, defeated Kejriwal in New Delhi.
Exit polls correctly predicted the BJP’s dominance, marking AAP’s steep decline. On Friday, Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to poach AAP MLAs, prompting an Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) team to visit his home for evidence. He refused to meet them, leading to a formal notice.
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, acting under the central government, launched an inquiry into AAP’s claims that the BJP tried to buy MLAs with ₹15 crore offers and ministerial positions. The BJP denied the charges and demanded an apology, warning of legal consequences.
AAP once dominated Delhi politics, winning 67 of 70 seats in 2015 and retaining power in 2020 with 62 seats. However, corruption scandals weakened its grip. Kejriwal and Sisodia spent months in jail over the Delhi liquor policy case, which damaged their credibility.
The BJP also attacked AAP over the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy, where Kejriwal’s government spent lavishly on his official residence. Reports of a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, and gold-plated toilets fueled public outrage.
As the BJP closes in on victory, AAP faces its biggest crisis yet, struggling to defend its decade-long rule in Delhi.
