Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party has achieved a significant victory in a regional election in New Delhi, marking a shift in voter sentiment after nearly three decades of resistance to Modi's Hindu-first platform. By Saturday afternoon, preliminary vote counts indicated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was on track to secure over 40 seats in the 70-seat assembly, allowing it to form the government.
The incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has governed the capital for the past decade, was trailing with approximately 20 seats. A party requires 36 seats to establish a government in the assembly. Modi celebrated the victory, stating, "Development wins, good governance triumphs," on social media.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged the election results in a video message, expressing acceptance of the people's mandate. The contest for control of the capital has highlighted the intense nature of Indian politics, characterized by aggressive campaigning, disinformation tactics, and political imprisonments.
Basic government services in the capital, home to over 20 million residents, have reportedly become increasingly ineffective. Many areas lack reliable drinking water, relying instead on tankers, while pollution levels remain high, particularly in winter months.
The AAP, which emerged from an anti-corruption movement that indirectly facilitated Modi's rise to national power in 2014, aimed for a third consecutive term. However, the party faced significant challenges, including the imprisonment of key leaders on corruption charges linked to an excise scam. Kejriwal himself was arrested last year over allegations related to the city's liquor policy but continued to govern while in custody.
Modi's campaign strategy focused on undermining AAP's image as a party of the common people, promising that if elected, the BJP would not blame others for the issues facing Delhi, such as health, traffic, and water supply.
Opposition parties have raised concerns about the election commission's role, alleging that it has created an uneven playing field favoring the BJP. Questions were also raised regarding the legitimacy of voter registration in a recent election in Maharashtra, where the BJP also secured a strong victory.
The ongoing political disputes have contributed to a paralysis in governance, impacting essential services like pollution control and waste management. Residents in areas like Kusumpur Pahari have expressed frustration over the lack of municipal services, highlighting the struggle for basic necessities such as water.
While Kejriwal retains support in working-class neighborhoods, the BJP's outreach efforts appear to be gaining traction. The AAP has emphasized its achievements in education and promised financial assistance for women and healthcare for the elderly, while the BJP has proposed even larger financial incentives and subsidies.
The campaign has featured creative attacks between the parties, with the BJP showcasing a model of what it claims is Kejriwal's extravagant lifestyle, while AAP portrayed the BJP as obstructive to the services provided to Delhi residents.