The 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections concluded with surprising results, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made an impressive comeback, capturing a majority in the 70-seat Assembly after nearly three decades in the political wilderness of the national capital. The results, announced on February 8, sent ripples through political circles, highlighting a pivotal shift in the electorate's mood.
AAP's Social Welfare Agenda
Heading into the elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), under interim Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, put forth a manifesto heavily focused on social welfare. Atishi, who stepped into the leadership role following Arvind Kejriwal's resignation due to corruption allegations, aimed to continue the party's commitment to progressive policies. Their campaign emphasized a financial aid initiative promising Rs 2,100 monthly to women, alongside improved water supply and healthcare for the elderly. These promises were designed to expand on existing AAP benefits like free education and transportation for women, which had been central to their previous governance.
BJP's Infrastructure and Development Plan
The BJP, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), positioned themselves as champions of urban development. Their campaign focused on large-scale infrastructure projects intended to win the hearts of Delhi's residents. The primary highlights included plans to rejuvenate the Yamuna River, regularize property rights in unauthorized colonies, along with a welfare scheme offering Rs 2,500 monthly support to economically disadvantaged women. Additionally, subsidized LPG cylinders formed part of their initiative to ease the cost of living for the city's underprivileged.
With Sambit Patra and Harsh Vardhan spearheading these initiatives, the BJP campaigned aggressively across Delhi, vowing a transformative urban and civic improvement. Their promises drew significant interest, as voters appeared to crave change in governance and a focus on tangible infrastructure advancements.
The battle for the Chief Minister's office saw intense competition, with Atishi Marlena facing stiff challenges from BJP stalwarts like Patra and Vardhan. Each leader stood out for their distinct visions for Delhi’s future, making the election not just about party lines, but contrasting plans for the capital's development. The BJP's ability to break AAP's hold reflects a strategic success in aligning their infrastructure promises with voter expectations. The stakes were high, and the outcomes even more riveting, showing how political landscapes can swiftly alter with effective campaigning and a solid grasp of public demand.
