The winds of change swept swiftly and decisively through the national capital, New Delhi. The hit song by the Scorpions expresses the Tornado-like BJP wave: “Like a storm wind that will ring the freedom bell.” Today, Delhiites have gained their freedom—from mismanagement, false promises, drama, and most of all, a corrupt leader. For the past decade, under the AAP’s reign, Delhi lost its way. Now, the city is free from AAP-da—the disaster, the calamity of Aam Aadmi politics—and the mess it left behind.
The city I was born in and have served selflessly was brought to its knees by AAP—mountains of garbage, terrible roads, undrinkable water, and unbreathable air. Yet, AAP’s leaders were busy expanding their footprint in national politics, with no time or effort to develop Delhi and fulfil their poll commitments. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a significant victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, marking its return to power in the capital after a 27-year exile—“27 saal ka vanvas”—as I overheard someone say.
Let’s analyse why the BJP made a clean sweep in the Delhi elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats. This success can be attributed to a combination of strategic campaigning, capitalising on anti-incumbency sentiments, effective leadership, organisational strength, and targeted voter outreach.
Strategic campaigning and leadership
The BJP’s campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose personal involvement and appeal played a crucial role in swaying voters. Modi’s rallies emphasised the need for a “double engine” government—where the same party governs both the Centre and the state—to ensure cohesive, accelerated development. He criticised the AAP government, labelling it “AAP-da” (disaster), and urged voters to opt for change for a brighter future. In the end, it was the magic that swept the polls, and gave BJP its runaway victory. No one wants a whiny-the-pooh in the driving seat, and Delhi’s voters decisively chose a leader who has a finger on the people’s pulse. Chants of “Modi Modi” rent the air at BJP headquarters as party workers celebrated with dance, dhol, and fireworks, reaffirming that the slogan “Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai” really rings with the populace of Delhi.
The BJP also highlighted the central government’s achievements, arguing that aligning the state with the Centre would lead to better implementation of policies and schemes in Delhi. This narrative resonated with voters seeking more effective governance and development. The narrative of development through PM Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ resonated with the voters.
Also read: Don’t misdiagnose AAP defeat in Delhi election results. It will be fatal to democracy
Corruption—out or in?
AAP came to power talking big on corruption and how it would eradicate the corruption bug from the roots. But corruption is like an insidious weed that creeps into the roots of a building and topples it by hollowing out the centre until the tree is left with nothing inside and comes crashing down. Allegations of corruption dogged nearly all senior leaders of AAP.
While Manish Sisodia, who was the Deputy CM, spent months in Tihar Jail over allegations of corruption in issuing licences to operate liquor vends in Delhi, former health minister Satyendar Jain was investigated by the CBI for holding assets disproportionate to his income. Amanatullah Khan, who retained his Okhla seat, was investigated by the ED for money laundering related to his tenure as Waqf Board chairman.
BJP’s welfare schemes
Delhi’s residents were deprived of welfare schemes that residents in BJP-ruled states were benefiting from. Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, is India’s largest health insurance scheme, covering over 50 crore beneficiaries. It provides free hospitalisation up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. The scheme includes PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to improve primary healthcare.
Delhi has not implemented Ayushman Bharat because the AAP government runs its own free healthcare programmes, including Mohalla Clinics and Delhi Arogya Kosh. The state of Mohalla Clinics is well known to the voters, with more than half being understaffed, lacking doctors, or simply non-functional. Allegations of corruption tainted these clinics, and the recent scandal involving fake health tests rocked the already shaky AAP, hitting another nail in its proverbial coffin.
When the Delhi manifesto was being prepared, I was listening to citizens lamenting the lack of revdis from the BJP, and how AAP workers were supposedly noting down the details of beneficiaries and taking their Aadhaar cards. How many actually benefited from the so-called welfare schemes of the AAP government is a mystery that is yet to be solved.
A particular lament stands out in my mind. A group of autowallahs (supposedly AAP’s core voter base) complained that this AAP government was causing immense pain to their lives, as there was no welfare schemes for them and they were paying a large amount to rent the autos. AAP’s narrow-sighted agenda and lack of vision, while benefiting one section of society, was completely destroying the livelihoods of an entire demographic.
Also read: Delhi poll result isn’t just Brand Kejriwal losing sheen. BJP stepping out of Modi shadow too
Sheesh Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra is remembered as an ode to love and for its architectural marvel, whereas the Sheesh Mahal of Delhi will go down in the annals of history as an ode to corruption, a monument to commemorate the dishonest practices of a chief minister.
The CM’s official residence underwent renovations amounting to Rs 45 crore with marble imported from Vietnam. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the toilets in Delhi CM’s house were more expensive than homes in Delhi slums. Motorised curtains worth Rs 4-6 crore, Sony ultra slim TVs collectively worth Rs 64 lakh—all recorded in the PWD list of inventory when the outgoing CM vacated the palatial residence.
A fight for breath
Sadly, the fight for Delhi became a fight for actual survival, a fight for the very air to breathe as the city choked on its polluted air and filthy water. Residents complained of sewage water in taps. They now look to the BJP to solve these fundamental issues.
The Right to Life is enshrined in the Constitution and Delhi’s polluted air and water are denying this basic fundamental right to 33 million people. At the manifesto meeting, I heard the women from Warrior Moms, an activist group, lamenting how her child couldn’t breathe in Delhi’s pollution. This point was subsequently added in the BJP’s manifesto for Delhi, with the party promising to work on substantially and reduce PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels by half if voted to power. The Delhi Clean Air Mission will be launched and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also promised to reduce traffic pollution.
Good governance
Through a series of well-crafted advertisements, social media campaigns, and public rallies, the BJP was able to project a vision of development and good governance. The party’s messaging emphasised its commitment to transforming Delhi into a world-class city, resonating with voters’ aspirations for progress and prosperity.
AAP failed to provide any semblance of good governance in a city that is not just the heart of India but also a shining jewel in the nation’s crown. The state of Delhi treasury reduced the city to near penury. And the central government, which has delivered a Budget for the masses, will also set right the drained coffers of the Delhi treasury.
As I came out of the polling booth after casting my vote on 5 February, I wished for a developed Delhi—a Viksit Delhi—I am pleased to see that Delhi will no longer be left behind.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)
There is no question that Aam Aadmi party did not do a good job and were rightfully not elected back to power. But to call them corrupt all the time is like the pot calling the kettle black.
It is also a fact that the BJP could not tolerate another party working in Delhi. So many events including the inordiate amount of powers vested to the LG of Delhi ensured that the AAP could not do its job properly. The BJP also needs to introspect on its role on its poor politics and its hunger and greed for power.
It’s basic economics that socialism breeds corruption. BJP has come to power promising freebies. So, it will be the same story like that of kejriwal. Infrastructure and civic amenities —no money.