OVERVIEW

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a major political shift in India’s National Capital Region. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which first gained power with a historic mandate in 2013 and returned even stronger in 2015 after a year of Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) rule, once aimed to redefine Indian politics with its governance model. However, amid corruption allegations and administrative conflicts, AAP witnessed a sharp decline in popularity, paving the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) return to power in Delhi after 26 years.

The elections were marked by a deepening AAP-BJP rivalry, high-profile arrests of AAP leaders, and allegations of corruption, including the liquor scam¹ and Sheeshmahal controversy. AAP faced criticism over unfulfilled promises on pollution and city cleanliness, while its ongoing power struggle with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) raised governance concerns.² BJP capitalized on these issues, framing AAP’s tenure as a failure. Additionally, the campaign saw intense debates over ‘freebies,’³ including direct cash transfers to women, along with excessive hate speech⁴, negative campaigning⁵, and unchecked AI-driven misinformation.⁶

After 26 years, the BJP staged a significant comeback, leveraging anti-incumbency sentiment, corruption allegations, and its strong national leadership. This election was particularly crucial as Delhi has long been viewed as a testing ground for alternative governance models, with AAP once positioning itself as a national political force. However, the results indicate a return to mainstream political dominance. Meanwhile, Congress, which ruled the city for 15 years before AAP emerged, continues to struggle to regain lost ground. Despite a slight increase in its vote share, the party failed to secure any seats for the third consecutive time, underscoring its ongoing decline in the state.

RESULTS AND ELECTORAL TRENDS OVER THE LAST FOUR ELECTIONS

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections witnessed a major political shift, with 15.5 million registered voters contesting 70 seats and a voter turnout of 60.54%—the lowest in 17 years and 2.28 percentage points lower than in 2020.

The BJP and its allies staged a remarkable comeback, securing 46.6% of the vote share and winning 48 seats—their best performance in Delhi since 1993. This marked a sharp contrast to their 2015 and 2020 results, where they had won only 3 and 8 seats, respectively.

The AAP, which had dominated Delhi politics for a decade, faced a significant decline, securing 22 seats with 43.6% of the vote share. This was a major setback from their previous landslide victories of 67 seats in 2015 and 62 seats in 2020. Once seen as an invincible force in Delhi, AAP’s losses reflect a decline in public trust amid governance concerns, corruption allegations, and high-profile arrests of party leaders.

Meanwhile, Congress continued its downward spiral, failing to win a single seat for the third consecutive election. Despite securing 6.3% of the vote share, the party has remained politically irrelevant in Delhi since its last victory in 2008.

The election results signify a major resurgence of BJP, a decline in AAP’s dominance, and Congress’s ongoing struggle for political revival, shaping a new political landscape in Delhi.

KEY ELECTORAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS

The elections were fraught with controversies, primarily stemming from the growing rift between AAP, which had ruled Delhi for over a decade, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had been in power nationally since 2014. Several prominent AAP leaders, including Delhi’s former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, former Health Minister of Delhi, an AAP Member of Parliament, and more recently, former Chief Minister of Delhi and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, were arrested in money laundering cases.

Key campaign issues that damaged AAP’s credibility included the liquor scam, the Sheeshmahal controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s official residence, and the party’s failure to deliver on promises such as cleaning the Yamuna River, addressing rising air pollution, and improving overall city cleanliness. Additionally, the prolonged power struggle between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the AAP government, which had persisted since AAP took control of Delhi, raised governance concerns.⁷ The BJP capitalized on these issues, building a narrative around governance failure and corruption, further eroding AAP’s public standing.⁸

The election also raised concerns over the controversial distribution of ‘freebies’ to citizens, including direct cash transfers to all women in Delhi, a promise made by all three major parties, sparking debates over the use of welfare schemes and cash distribution for electoral advantage.⁹ In addition, the elections were marred by excessive hate and negative campaigning, including the unchecked use of AI-generated content, which fueled misinformation and propaganda.

CONCLUSION

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a profound transformation, signalling a decisive rejection of AAP’s alternative governance model. Once celebrated as a disruptor in mainstream politics, AAP’s decline highlights the challenges of sustaining ideological purity and implementing systemic change. Despite its anti-establishment stance, the party ultimately fell into traditional political patterns, plagued by corruption allegations, administrative conflicts, and unfulfilled promises—factors that significantly eroded public trust.

The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 26 years signifies more than just an electoral victory—it represents the electorate’s preference for a return to traditional political structures, rejecting AAP’s claim as a long-term alternative. 

Voter concerns over corruption scandals, combined with governance failures in pollution control, urban cleanliness, and water management, played a crucial role in shaping this outcome. Additionally, the use of freebies and welfare schemes in campaign promises fueled debates over the role of government assistance in elections¹⁷, while the unchecked spread of AI-driven misinformation and hate speech intensified political polarization.¹⁸

Beyond party politics, the election rekindles a larger governance debate—can a state government function effectively when politically opposed to the ruling party at the Centre? The prolonged power struggle between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the AAP-led Delhi government underscored the structural limitations of Delhi’s governance model, where the Centre retains substantial administrative control. With BJP now governing both Delhi and the nation, this shift temporarily resolves the long-standing power tussle but raises crucial questions about decentralization, federal autonomy, and the sustainability of governance when opposing parties control different levels of government.

More than a mere change in electoral dominance, the 2025 elections reshape Delhi’s political trajectory. They demonstrate the vulnerabilities of alternative political movements, the enduring power of narrative-building in electoral politics, and the evolving role of the Centre in state governance. With BJP’s resounding victory, the coming years will test whether it can address the very issues that led to AAP’s downfall while navigating the complexities of governing India’s capital under a centralized political structure. 

Electoral Trends and Key Lessons for Regional Advocacy

At the same time, the 2025 Delhi elections reflect broader governance and electoral challenges seen across South Asia, offering valuable lessons for regional advocacy efforts. These elections reinforce debates on the sustainability of alternative political movements, the balance of power between national and provincial governments, and the ethical concerns surrounding welfare-driven electoral strategies.

Across the region, alternative political movements have struggled to sustain themselves, while welfare schemes continue to shape voter behaviour, and centre-state conflicts create governance roadblocks. In Pakistan, PTI’s anti-establishment stance in the past led to institutional resistance and legal battles, culminating in Imran Khan’s ousting. In Sri Lanka, the newly elected government faces economic instability and the weight of high expectations, as it navigates reforms and promises of alternative governance models following the mass protests that removed the Rajapaksa-led administration. Bangladesh, with general elections approaching, is at a crossroads, debating electoral reforms, political freedoms, and institutional credibility amid concerns over the shrinking democratic space for opposition parties. Meanwhile, Nepal and Pakistan continue to experience power struggles between central and provincial governments, affecting governance stability and policy implementation.

The strategic use of welfare schemes to influence voter support is a recurring trend in the region, with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia leveraging social programs to consolidate their electoral base. Additionally, the unchecked use of AI in elections has emerged as a growing concern, with Pakistan, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka witnessing its impact on political narratives, misinformation, and campaign strategies. 

These trends highlight that Delhi’s 2025 elections are not an isolated case, but part of a larger South Asian political landscape, where governance challenges, electoral narratives, and policy decisions shape democratic resilience. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring fair elections, and fostering sustainable governance models remain crucial for advocacy efforts across the region.

1  Firstpost (22 March 2024). ‘Delhi liquor case: Arvind Kejriwal and other big leaders arrested’. Rereived from https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/delhi-liquor-policy-scam-case-arvind-kejriwal-other-big-leaders-arrested-13751611.html

2  The Ecomomic Times (11 March 2023). ‘Delhi govt vs LG: A long history of disputes.’ Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/delhi-govt-vs-lg-a-long-history-of-disputes/articleshow/100163168.cms?from=mdr 

3  Hebbar, N. (9 February 2025). ‘Freebies, governance and more: key lessons and impact of Delhi election’. The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/elections/delhi-assembly/delhi-result-tells-political-parties-freebies-plus-governance-must-india-bloc-counting-last-days/article69196142.ece 

4  Newslaundry (31 January 2025). ‘Hate speech and accusations of bribing voters: Parvesh Verma takes on Kejriwal in New Delhi’. Retrieved from https://www.newslaundry.com/2025/01/31/hate-speech-and-accusations-of-bribing-voters-parvesh-verma-takes-on-kejriwal-in-new-delhi-battle 

5  Saxena, A. (8 February 2025). ‘Delhi Elections Results 2025: 10 Reasons Why AAP Lost’. The Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-election-results-2025-aap-lost-reasons-arvind-kejriwal-new-delhi-manish-sisodia-bjp-modi-incumbency-corruptio-sheesh-mahal-liquor-freebies-congress-rahul/articleshow/118023276.cms 

6  Sharma. S. (9 January 2025). ‘Experts call for norms to regulate use of AI during campaigning for Delhi polls.’ India Today. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/delhi-assembly-election-ai-use-campaign-political-parties-poll-panel-aap-bjp-2662494-2025-01-09 

7  The Ecomomic Times (11 March 2023). ‘Delhi govt vs LG: A long history of disputes.’ Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/delhi-govt-vs-lg-a-long-history-of-disputes/articleshow/100163168.cms?from=mdr 

8  The Economic Times (10 February 2025). ‘Sheesh Mahal’ to Excise policy scam: How BJP crafted its winning narrative in Delhi.’ Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/delhi/sheesh-mahal-to-excise-policy-scam-how-bjp-crafted-its-winning-narrative-in-delhi/articleshow/118084977.cms?from=mdr

9 The Indian Express (28 February 2025). 3 parties, one promise in Delhi Assembly polls: Cash assistance for women, employment and free healthcare. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/3-parties-one-promise-in-delhi-assembly-polls-cash-assistance-for-women-employment-and-free-healthcare-9802738/ 

10  The Quint (8 February 2025). ‘Delhi: Surge of 4 Lakh Voters in 4 Years, Then Another 4 Lakh in Just 7 Months’. Retrieved from https://www.thequint.com/videos/delhi-election-results-2025-voter-roll-manipulation-aap-bjp-election-commission 

11  The Economic Times (11 March 2023). ‘Delhi govt vs LG: A long history of disputes.’ Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/delhi-govt-vs-lg-a-long-history-of-disputes/articleshow/100163168.cms?from=mdr 

12  Newslaundry (31 January 2025). ‘Hate speech and accusations of bribing voters: Parvesh Verma takes on Kejriwal in New Delhi’. Retrieved from https://www.newslaundry.com/2025/01/31/hate-speech-and-accusations-of-bribing-voters-parvesh-verma-takes-on-kejriwal-in-new-delhi-battle 

13  NewsClick (13 January 2025). ‘Delhi Elections: Complaint Filed Against MCC Violation, Hate Speech by BJP Councillor’. Retrieved from https://www.newsclick.in/delhi-elections-complaint-filed-against-mcc-violation-hate-speech-bjp-councillor; and CJP (20 January 2025). ‘CJP files complaint against BJP leader Nazia Elahi Khan over hate speech in Delhi’. Retrieved from https://cjp.org.in/cjp-files-complaint-against-bjp-leader-nazia-elahi-khan-over-hate-speech-in-delhi/ 

14  Saxena, A. (8 February 2025). ‘Delhi Elections Results 2025: 10 Reasons Why AAP Lost’. The Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-election-results-2025-aap-lost-reasons-arvind-kejriwal-new-delhi-manish-sisodia-bjp-modi-incumbency-corruptio-sheesh-mahal-liquor-freebies-congress-rahul/articleshow/118023276.cms 

15  Hindustan Times (20 January 2025). ‘Delhi polls: AI-generate meme war unfolds as parties take online campaign to new heights’. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-polls-ai-generate-meme-war-unfolds-as-parties-take-online-campaign-to-new-heights-101737374458884.html; and Business Standard (3 February 2025). ‘Delhi polls: High-octane campaigning ends today; AI spoofs set stage’. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/elections/delhi-elections/delhi-polls-high-octane-campaigning-ends-today-ai-spoofs-set-stage-125020300134_1.html 

16  Sharma. S. (9 January 2025). ‘Experts call for norms to regulate use of AI during campaigning for Delhi polls.’ India Today. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/delhi-assembly-election-ai-use-campaign-political-parties-poll-panel-aap-bjp-2662494-2025-01-09 

17  Hebbar, N. (9 February 2025). ‘Freebies, governance and more: key lessons and impact of Delhi election’. The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/elections/delhi-assembly/delhi-result-tells-political-parties-freebies-plus-governance-must-india-bloc-counting-last-days/article69196142.ece

18  Sharma, S. (9 January 2025). ‘Experts call for norms to regulate use of AI during campaigning for Delhi polls.’ India Today. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/delhi-assembly-election-ai-use-campaign-political-parties-poll-panel-aap-bjp-2662494-2025-01-09