The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a dramatic political shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power after 27 years, unseating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Arvind Kejriwal’s party, which had enjoyed a comfortable majority in the past three elections, suffered a crushing defeat, securing only 22 seats compared to its 62-seat tally in 2020.
The loss is seen as a major blow to AAP, which once positioned itself as the party of the common man, riding on an anti-corruption wave. However, multiple controversies, governance issues, and allegations of financial mismanagement played a pivotal role in turning the tide against Kejriwal and his party.
Key Factors Behind AAP’s Defeat
Several issues contributed to AAP’s downfall, with corruption allegations, failed promises, and controversial policies playing a major role. Let’s take a closer look at the major reasons that led to AAP’s loss.
1. The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy: A Symbol of Disconnect?
One of the biggest talking points during the election campaign was Arvind Kejriwal’s extravagant residence, dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ (Glass Palace).
- The BJP accused Kejriwal of spending over ₹45 crore of taxpayer money on a luxurious home while Delhi’s underprivileged struggled in poor living conditions.
- The controversy gained significant traction, with visuals of the opulent bungalow making rounds on social media, reinforcing the perception that Kejriwal had moved away from his “common man” image.
- PM Narendra Modi took a direct jab at AAP, stating that while the world was battling COVID-19, Kejriwal was busy constructing his lavish mansion.
- The issue became a rallying point for BJP’s campaign, allowing them to brand AAP as hypocritical and disconnected from the masses.
2. Liquor Policy Scandal: The Beginning of the End?
AAP’s liquor policy turned into a major liability for the party, tarnishing its image and credibility. What started as an initiative to reform Delhi’s excise policy soon spiraled into a scandal.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accused AAP leaders of financial irregularities in liquor licensing.
- The probe led to multiple arrests and raised serious concerns about corruption within the AAP-led administration.
- Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered an official investigation, further intensifying the scrutiny.
- The BJP took full advantage of this controversy, running aggressive campaigns in jhuggis (slums) and low-income areas, especially among women, highlighting the negative impact of alcohol and drug abuse.
- Even veteran activist Anna Hazare, once Kejriwal’s mentor, publicly criticized AAP, stating that the party had lost its way due to corruption and money-centric politics.
3. Unfulfilled Promises: The Cost of Overpromising
Despite its claims of good governance, AAP faced severe criticism for failing to deliver on several key promises.
| Promise | What AAP Promised | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Expansion | Extend metro connectivity across Delhi | Accused of blocking metro expansion projects |
| Housing for Poor | Permanent homes for slum dwellers | No significant progress made |
| Ayushman Bharat | Health insurance for Delhi residents | Delhiites excluded from the central scheme |
| Education & Hospitals | World-class schools and healthcare | Progress made, but issues of overcrowding remained |
- The housing crisis remained a major concern, as thousands of slum dwellers continued to live in deplorable conditions without any clarity on rehabilitation plans.
- The Ayushman Bharat health scheme, which provides free medical insurance to economically weaker sections, was not implemented in Delhi under AAP’s governance, leading to backlash.
- BJP leaders accused AAP of neglecting essential infrastructure projects, hampering Delhi’s overall growth.
4. Anti-Incumbency and Leadership Crisis
- After ruling Delhi for 10 years, AAP faced a strong anti-incumbency wave, with many voters expressing dissatisfaction with Kejriwal’s leadership.
- Arvind Kejriwal’s frequent absences from Delhi due to his involvement in Punjab and national politics further alienated voters.
- The BJP effectively portrayed Kejriwal as a leader more focused on political ambitions rather than addressing Delhi’s ground-level issues.
BJP’s Resurgence: A Historic Win
After nearly three decades, the BJP has successfully regained control of Delhi’s assembly, delivering a decisive blow to AAP’s political dominance.
| Election Year | AAP Seats | BJP Seats | Other Parties |
| 2020 | 62 | 8 | 0 |
| 2025 | 22 | 48 | 0 |
- The BJP won 48 out of 70 seats, marking a significant political comeback.
- The decision on the next Chief Minister of Delhi is yet to be announced, with senior BJP leaders expected to finalize the name soon.
- The massive jump in BJP’s seat count suggests that voters were actively seeking an alternative to AAP.
Public Verdict: A Vote Against Corruption?
The election results reflect growing public discontent against AAP’s governance. BJP leaders, including NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, emphasized that the victory is a direct rejection of “AAP’s corruption, Sheesh Mahal, and liquor scam.”
FAQs
1. Why did AAP lose the Delhi elections in 2025?
AAP’s defeat was driven by multiple factors, including corruption allegations, unfulfilled promises, the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy, and the liquor policy scandal. These issues significantly damaged its credibility among voters.
2. Who will be the next Chief Minister of Delhi?
The BJP has not yet announced its Chief Ministerial candidate. The decision will be made by the party’s top leadership in the coming days.
3. What role did the liquor policy play in AAP’s defeat?
The liquor policy scandal led to allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. The BJP effectively used this issue to run a strong anti-AAP campaign, particularly in lower-income communities where alcohol abuse is a concern.
4. How many seats did AAP and BJP win in the 2025 Delhi elections?
AAP won 22 seats, a drastic decline from its 62-seat tally in 2020, while the BJP secured 48 seats, marking its return to power in Delhi after 27 years.
The 2025 Delhi elections mark a significant turning point in the capital’s political landscape. Whether the BJP can deliver on its promises and maintain public trust remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—the political battleground in Delhi has witnessed a historic shift.
Click here to learn more
