Rajesh Gupta, who earlier served as AAP’s national spokesperson and Karnataka in-charge, was welcomed into the BJP by Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva. The Delhi BJP, in an official statement, said Gupta was formally inducted into the party during a brief ceremony.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Gupta sharply criticised AAP’s leadership and accused the party of abandoning those who had worked hard since the days of the Anna movement. He said many AAP members now feel disrespected and want to leave but hesitate due to emotional and personal commitments.

He expressed disappointment that AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had not spoken to or met him for a long time. “Arvind ji, you need to think about why people are leaving you. I stood by you everywhere, even on television debates,” he said. Rajesh Gupta became emotional while recalling his journey in AAP, claiming he faced “mockery” and felt neglected despite his constant efforts for the party.

He further alleged that AAP’s biggest downfall is its “use and throw culture,” where committed workers are not valued. Gupta also accused Kejriwal of “betraying” many respected individuals who had joined the party in its early years, forcing them to walk away one by one. “Today, I have also become part of that list,” he said.

Commenting on the MCD bypolls, Rajesh Gupta claimed AAP has fielded a candidate in Ashok Vihar who had earlier received a notice from the party itself. He said his concerns about the candidate were ignored by the leadership.

BJP’s Virendra Sachdeva said AAP leaders are now blaming a government that has been in power for only eight months, while the issues they raise are the result of their own 12-year rule in Delhi. He added that with Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia “missing completely” from the political scene, AAP’s remaining leaders Atishi and Gopal Rai are appearing only occasionally during the campaign.

The government has assigned him a Type VII bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate. Earlier, AAP had requested the bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate, earlier occupied by BSP leader Mayawati, but it had already been allocated to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in July.

Type VII bungalows are among the more spacious government accommodations in Delhi, typically including four bedrooms, large lawns, a garage, three servant quarters, and office space. The newly allotted bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate, spans approximately 5,000 square feet, with two side lawns and a dedicated office.

Kejriwal will now reside in a neighbourhood with prominent political figures. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lives next door at 97, Lodhi Estate, while bungalows 94 and 96 are occupied by senior Army officials. Nearby residents include RJD leader Misa Bharti and Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi, residing at 82 and 81 Lodhi Estate, respectively.

Kejriwal has been without an official residence since resigning on September 17, 2024. He vacated his previous CM residence at 6, Flagstaff Road on November 4, temporarily moving into the home of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal at 5, Ferozeshah Road.

The Central Government had informed the Delhi High Court that Kejriwal would be allotted accommodation within 10 days, following standard protocol for leaders of national parties.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Government plans to convert Kejriwal’s former CM residence at 6, Flagstaff Road into a state guest house with a cafeteria, a property that had earlier been embroiled in a renovation-related controversy.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had been allotted two bungalows on Raj Niwas Marg by the Public Works Department (PWD)—one designated as her official residence and the other as a camp office. She formally inaugurated the camp office last Friday. The now-scrapped renovation proposal included major upgrades such as new electrical fittings, installation of 14 air conditioners, multiple television sets, and various other electronic enhancements intended to modernise the CM’s residence.

On Wednesday, CM Gupta conducted the first 'Jansunwai' (public grievance hearing) at her newly inaugurated camp office. Interacting with residents, she reiterated her commitment to public service, calling it the “supreme duty” of her administration.

In a separate development, the Delhi Cabinet has approved Rs 53 crore under the Integrated District Project Fund and the District Project Fund schemes. Officials stated that these schemes are designed to facilitate smaller but crucial development initiatives across the city’s districts by cutting down bureaucratic delays.

The Bhoomiheen Camp, a settlement housing numerous migrant workers, has already been targeted by demolition drives three times—first in July 2023 and again in May and June this year. Local residents, supported by AAP leaders, had organised a protest against what they described as an unjust eviction effort.

#WATCH | Delhi: Former CM Atishi was detained by Delhi Police as she took part in the anti-demolition protests at Kalkaji's Bhoomihin Camp. pic.twitter.com/pR3LEZut4w

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2025

Atishi, who joined the demonstrators on the ground, criticised the BJP-led Central Government and alleged that another bulldozer operation was imminent. In a post on social media platform X, she wrote, “Tomorrow, the BJP is going to run bulldozers over the Bhoomiheen Camp. Today, the slum residents there were planning to protest, so the BJP government deployed thousands of police and CRPF personnel.”

Atishi also questioned Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta over her earlier assurances. “Rekha Gupta ji: You had said that no slums would be demolished, right? Then why is such a massive police and CRPF force deployed?” she asked.

In response to the growing criticism, Gupta reiterated her position, stating on June 8 that the authorities are bound by court-directed demolition orders. She emphasised that those being displaced have been offered alternative accommodation and that the administration is acting within legal parameters.

The ongoing eviction has intensified tensions between the AAP and BJP, spotlighting the broader issue of slum rehabilitation and migrant housing in the national capital.

According to the summons, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also held the Education portfolio, has been called for questioning on June 9. Satyendar Jain, who oversaw the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Delhi government, has been asked to appear before ACB officials on June 6.

The ACB alleges that the project—meant to construct over 12,748 classrooms in Delhi’s government schools—witnessed significant cost escalations and contract violations. It claims that each classroom was built at an inflated average cost of Rs 24.86 lakh, nearly five times the standard rate.

Further, the anti-corruption agency has reported that contracts were awarded to 34 construction firms, many of which are allegedly linked to the AAP. The construction used Semi-Permanent Structures (SPS) with a 30-year lifespan but was billed at rates equivalent to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures, which last up to 75 years.

The ACB also pointed out that project costs were increased by Rs 326 crore without issuing fresh tenders, a move considered highly irregular in government procurement procedures.

Responding to the developments, the AAP has accused the authorities of political vendetta, claiming that the case is an attempt to intimidate party leaders and malign their education model, which has been central to AAP’s electoral narrative.

According to AAP, the party chose not to field a candidate as it does not currently have the numbers in the MCD, where the BJP holds a clear majority.

With this, the BJP is poised to consolidate power across all levels in the capital — Centre, Delhi Government, and now the MCD — effectively forming what’s being dubbed a “triple-engine government” in Delhi.

Senior AAP leaders, including former Delhi CM minister Atishi and convenor Saurabh Bhardwaj, announced on Monday that the party would not contest the upcoming mayoral election in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Addressing a press conference, Atishi said the BJP held a clear majority in the MCD, and therefore, AAP saw no merit in fielding a candidate. “To win the mayoral election under current circumstances would require buying, breaking, or poaching councillors — something we absolutely refuse to do,” she said.

Atishi further stated that the BJP now had power at three levels — the Centre, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s office, and the MCD — referring to it as a "triple-engine government", or even "four-engine government" with the inclusion of the LG. “They now have full responsibility to deliver on the promises made to the people of Delhi — whether it be in the areas of safety, electricity, water, education, healthcare, or sanitation,” she added.

She criticised the BJP for making repeated excuses in the name of the MCD and said even the Environment Minister had blamed rising pollution on AAP by falsely alleging that it was deliberately burning garbage. “Now that BJP controls all fronts, they have no excuses left,” she asserted.

Atishi also accused the BJP of orchestrating systematic efforts over the last two and a half years to intimidate, lure, and poach AAP councillors. 

When asked about the current number of AAP councillors, Saurabh Bhardwaj refrained from providing a figure, stating, “The BJP tries to break one councillor, then we speak with them and they return, and then BJP targets another. This process has become endless.”

Bhardwaj also took a dig at the BJP, stating, “Let them try once. Let them show what they are capable of.” He said AAP would act as a strong opposition in the MCD, similar to its role in the Delhi Assembly.

The revelation comes amid the BJP’s continued criticism of the AAP over the alleged liquor policy scam, which led to the arrests of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. The controversy is believed to have significantly contributed to AAP’s loss in the recent Delhi Assembly elections.

According to government data, tax collection from alcohol has remained consistently high in the past few years:

Rs 5,164 crore in 2023-24

Rs 5,547 crore in 2022-23

Rs 5,487 crore in 2021-22

Under the new liquor policy introduced by AAP from November 2021 to August 2022, private liquor vendors were given exclusive rights to sell alcohol. However, the old policy was reinstated in September 2022, allowing government liquor stores to operate again. AAP had defended its liquor policy, citing benefits such as curbing black marketing and boosting government revenue. However, the Delhi Chief Secretary had later flagged alleged irregularities in its implementation.

In 2023-24, Delhi recorded alcohol sales of 21.27 crore litres, averaging 5.82 lakh litre per day. In comparison, 25.84 crore litre were sold in 2022-23.

While liquor tax revenues continue to rise, GST collection from milk and milk products has been on a downward trend:

Rs 210 crore in 2024-25 (till February)

Rs 300 crore in 2023-24

Rs 365 crore in 2022-23

With a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, the budget represents a 31.5% increase from the previous year’s allocation. A key highlight of this year’s budget is the doubling of capital expenditure, which has been raised to Rs 28,000 crore.

Key highlights of Delhi Budget 2025-26

The Budget marks the first financial roadmap under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership after the BJP’s electoral victory in Delhi.

Capital expenditure doubled to Rs 28,000 crore: The government has significantly increased its capital expenditure, aiming to boost infrastructure development and economic revival in Delhi.

Health sector gets a boost with Rs 2,144 crore allocation: The government has allocated Rs 2,144 crore under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring quality healthcare services for Delhi residents.

Women’s welfare scheme: Rs 5,100 crore for Mahila Samridhi Yojana, which will provide Rs 2,500 per month to each eligible woman

Rs 1,000 crore for better connectivity in Delhi-NCR: The government aims to enhance transport and road connectivity between Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) with a budget of Rs 1,000 crore.

Rs 3,843 crore for roads and bridges: To improve road infrastructure, Rs 3,843 crore has been set aside for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Enhanced public safety with 50,000 new CCTV cameras: As part of its efforts to enhance security, the Delhi government will install 50,000 CCTV cameras across the city.

100 Atal canteens to provide affordable meals: A sum of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for setting up 100 Atal Canteens across Delhi, ensuring affordable meals for residents.

Rs 696 crore for slum and JJ Colony development: The government has earmarked Rs 696 crore for the redevelopment of slum clusters and JJ colonies, improving living conditions for underprivileged communities.

Rs 9,000 crore for clean drinking water and sanitation: Addressing water scarcity and sanitation issues, the government has allocated Rs 9,000 crore to provide clean drinking water and better sanitation facilities across the city.

Rs 500 crore for sewer treatment and water infrastructure: The budget includes Rs 500 crore for repairing and upgrading sewer treatment plants (STPs) and Rs 250 crore for replacing outdated sewer lines

Rs 500 crore for cleaning Yamuna River: A major initiative to clean the Yamuna River has been announced, with Rs 500 crore allocated for the project. The government plans to decentralise 40 STPs to ensure only treated water enters the river.

Earlier, political circles were abuzz with discussions that Arora’s seat could pave the way for Kejriwal’s entry into the Rajya Sabha. However, the AAP leadership denied such claims, reinforcing that the party’s focus remains on strengthening its position in Punjab.

The Election Commission is yet to announce the schedule for the Ludhiana West bypoll, though it is anticipated to take place in November, coinciding with the Bihar Assembly elections.

Punjab has become a strategic priority for AAP, especially after its significant setback in the Delhi elections, which saw the BJP reclaim power after 27 years. With the bypoll, AAP aims to consolidate its presence in Punjab and regain political momentum.

AAP #LudhianaBypoll #ArvindKejriwal #PunjabPolitics #RajyaSabha #BJPvsAAP #DelhiElections #BiharElections

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Atishi stated that the MLAs had been seeking a meeting with the Chief Minister for the past two days but were denied an appointment. Frustrated by the delay, they approached her during the Assembly session, urging her to fulfill the promise made by the Modi government in the first Cabinet meeting.

“We had asked for time from the Chief Minister for the last two days, but we did not get any response. Today, we went to meet CM Rekha Gupta during the session and reminded her of the promise made in the first cabinet. The guarantee given by Modi ji has been broken, and it has now proved to be false. We hope that on March 8, the first installment of ?2500 under the Mahila Samman Yojana will be credited into the accounts of every woman in Delhi,” Atishi said.

The Mahila Samman Yojana, which was announced as part of the BJP's election promises, aims to provide financial assistance to women in Delhi. However, AAP leaders have accused the BJP-led government of failing to deliver on its commitment, leaving women waiting for the promised funds.

Responding to the criticism, newly elected Chief Minister Rekha Gupta dismissed Atishi’s remarks, urging her to refrain from lecturing the new administration. "This is our government, and we will decide our agenda. She should focus on her own party instead of instructing us. She has already had her time in power," Rekha Gupta stated during a press briefing.

Taking a swipe at AAP’s tenure, Rekha Gupta questioned how the opposition could criticise a government that has been in office for just one day. "The Congress ruled for 15 years, and AAP for 13. Instead of questioning us, they should reflect on their own governance records," she added.

She further accused AAP of being apprehensive about the upcoming Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which is set to be presented on the first day of the Assembly session. She alleged that the previous administration had withheld 14 CAG reports detailing the government's performance and that her government would ensure their release.

Meanwhile, the BJP government announced its decision to implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi, fulfilling one of its key electoral promises.

In her video statement, Atishi criticised the BJP for failing to honour its commitment from day one. "The BJP has already started going back on its word. It’s unfortunate that a woman Chief Minister has broken her promise to the women of Delhi on her very first day in office," she remarked. She also shared a poster on X, highlighting that Delhi’s women are still waiting for the promised financial assistance.

Addressing the concerns, Rekha Gupta assured that the first installment of the Rs  2,500 monthly allowance would be credited to women's accounts by March 8. The scheme had been a major highlight of the BJP’s manifesto, introduced to counter AAP’s promise of a Rs 2,100 monthly allowance for women if re-elected.

Rekha Gupta will oversee the Finance, Revenue, and Women & Child Development ministries. Ashish Sood, a senior BJP leader and prominent Punjabi face, has been appointed as the Home Minister and will also handle Power, Education, and Urban Development. Meanwhile, Jat leader Parvesh Verma will manage the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, which includes the crucial task of cleaning the Yamuna River.

First-time MLA Pankaj Kumar Singh has been given the Health and Family Welfare, as well as the Transport portfolios. Ravinder Indraj, the Dalit representative in the Cabinet, will lead the Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare departments. Kapil Mishra, known for his hardline Hindutva stance, has been appointed as the Minister of Law and Justice, along with the Labour Department. Sikh leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa will take charge of the Forest and Environment Ministry, in addition to overseeing the Food and Supplies Department.

At its first Cabinet meeting on Thursday evening, the new government announced plans to present 14 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Assembly. These reports have highlighted alleged financial mismanagement in the previous government, including the liquor policy controversy and the extravagant renovation of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.

Fulfilling its election promises, the Cabinet approved the rollout of the Mahila Samman Yojana, which will provide Rs 2,500 per month to women in Delhi. The government also decided to implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a central health insurance scheme that was previously not adopted by the AAP government. Additionally, the Delhi government will provide a Rs 5 lakh top-up on top of the existing Rs 5 lakh health coverage under the scheme.

The BJP secured a landslide victory in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats, while the AAP managed to secure only 22 seats, ending its ten-year rule in the capital. The new government has now set its sights on swift implementation of its key welfare schemes.

Early Life & Education

Born in 1974 at Nandgarh village, Jind district, Haryana, Rekha Gupta moved to Delhi with her family in 1976 at the age of two. Her father was an officer at the State Bank of India. She completed her primary to higher education in Delhi and developed an early interest in politics during her student years.

Rekha Gupta became actively involved with the RSS student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), during her school years. While pursuing her studies at Daulat Ram College, she won the election for secretary. In 1995-96, she successfully contested the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections and became its president. She later completed her LLB degree.

Political Career

After completing her education, Rekha Gupta joined the Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in 2003-04 as a Secretary. From 2004 to 2006, she served as the National Secretary of BJYM.

2007: Elected as Councillor from Uttari Pitampura.

2007-09: Chaired the MCD’s Women and Child Welfare Committee for two years.

2009: Appointed as General Secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha, Delhi.

2010: Became a member of BJP’s National Executive Committee.

Electoral Journey & Assembly Elections

Rekha Gupta contested the Delhi Assembly elections from Shalimar Bagh in 2015 and 2020 but faced defeats both times against Aam Aadmi Party's Vandana Kumari—losing by 11,000 votes in 2015 and by 3,400 votes in 2020. However, in the 2025 elections, she secured a decisive victory over Vandana Kumari with a significant margin, marking a turning point in her political career.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had recently requested the President to approve prosecution under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing sufficient evidence gathered during the ED’s investigation.

Satyendar Jain, currently out on bail, was charged by the ED following an FIR registered by the CBI in August 2017. The CBI had accused him and others of possessing disproportionate assets. In December 2018, the CBI filed a chargesheet, claiming that Jain’s alleged disproportionate assets were valued at Rs 1.47 crore, which was about 217 per cent higher than his known sources of income between 2015 and 2017.

After spending a significant period in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, Jain was granted bail on October 18, 2024. The Special Judge Vishal Gogne ordered his release on a personal bond of Rs 50,000, considering his prolonged incarceration and noting that the trial was unlikely to commence soon.

Satyendar Jain, who was arrested in May 2022, had remained behind bars, except for a 10-month period between May 26, 2023, and March 18, 2024, when he was out on medical bail. In the recent Delhi Assembly election, he lost the Shakur Basti seat to BJP candidate Karnail Singh by nearly 21,000 votes.

The councillors who joined the BJP are Anita Basoya from Andrews Ganj, Dharmveer from RK Puram, and Nikhil from Chaprana. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva formally inducted them into the party. Along with them, four other AAP leaders, including former New Delhi district president Sandeep Basoya, also joined the BJP.

The MCD has a total of 250 councillor seats. After the Assembly elections, AAP's strength reduced from 121 to 118 councillors as three members won legislative seats. Meanwhile, the BJP's strength decreased from 120 to 112 after eight of its councillors were elected as MLAs.

With the defection of three AAP councillors to the BJP, both parties are now tied with 115 seats each, creating a deadlock ahead of the upcoming MCD mayoral elections.

MCD mayoral polls scheduled for April

The MCD mayoral election is set to take place in April. The last election was held in November 2024, with a short five-month tenure as per the annual April schedule for MCD mayoral polls. In the previous election, AAP's Mahesh Khinchi defeated BJP's Kishan Lal by three votes, securing 133 votes against Lal's 130, while two votes were declared invalid.

After welcoming the new members, Virendra Sachdeva criticised AAP for alleged corruption scandals, including the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy, liquor scam, Jal Board scandal, panic button scam, ration card fraud, and Mohalla Clinic irregularities. Sachdeva said, “Every corrupt individual will be held accountable.”

MCD Budget to be presented by February-end

The MCD has not formed its standing committee, the most powerful body within the corporation, for over two and a half years due to ongoing legal disputes. With special permission from the Lieutenant Governor (LG), MCD Commissioner Ashwini Kumar will present the Budget before the House, which must be approved by the end of February.

Party insiders say the next Chief Minister would be selected from the newly elected MLAs. Sources indicate that a woman legislator could be the frontrunner for the top position. Discussions are also ongoing about appointing a Deputy Chief Minister from an underrepresented community, ensuring broader representation in the new Cabinet. Women and Dalit leaders are expected to have a significant presence in the upcoming government.

Among the victorious candidates, four women MLAs registered notable wins: Rekha Gupta (Shalimar Bagh): Secured 68,200 votes, defeating AAP’s Bandana Kumari by 29,595 votes. Shikha Roy (Greater Kailash): Won with 49,594 votes, overcoming AAP heavyweight Saurabh Bharadwaj by 3,188 votes. Poonam Sharma (Wazirpur): Polled 54,721 votes, defeating AAP’s Rajesh Gupta by 11,425 votes. Neelam Pehalwan (Najafgarh): Scored a decisive victory with 1,01,708 votes, defeating AAP’s Tarun Kumar by 29,009 votes.

A major upset in this election was former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s defeat in the New Delhi constituency. BJP’s Parvesh Verma unseated Kejriwal, who had held the seat since 2013. This symbolic loss further marked the end of AAP’s dominance in the capital.

BJP returns to power after 27 years

The BJP’s resounding win has brought it back to power in Delhi after nearly three decades, triggering widespread speculation over the party’s leadership choices. All eyes are on the BJP’s decision regarding the Chief Ministerial post—one that could potentially make history with the appointment of a woman leader.

Punjab’s Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that Arvind Kejriwal might consider shifting to Punjab as its Chief Minister. Bajwa referred to a statement made by Punjab AAP chief and minister Aman Arora, in which he suggested that a Hindu leader could also become the Chief Minister of Punjab. Bajwa argued that the focus should be on governance capabilities rather than religious identity.

He further added that the Ludhiana Assembly seat, which fell vacant after the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi, could potentially be used as a launching pad for Kejriwal in Punjab politics. Bajwa speculated that this move could lead to internal conflicts within AAP, particularly between Bhagwant Mann’s faction and those who support Kejriwal’s leadership in Punjab. However, AAP has not yet issued any official statement regarding these claims.

After its victory in Punjab, AAP had put all its efforts into retaining power in Delhi. Punjab’s AAP leaders, including CM Bhagwant Mann, actively campaigned in Delhi to support Kejriwal. Mann held rallies in key constituencies such as New Delhi, Jangpura, Shakur Basti, Adarsh Nagar, Palam, Janakpuri, Dwarka, Madipur, Rohini, Kasturba Nagar, Vikaspuri, and Vishwas Nagar. However, despite his efforts, AAP lost in all these constituencies.

Similarly, Punjab AAP president and Cabinet minister Aman Arora also campaigned vigorously in Delhi but failed to secure any wins for the party. He focused on Kejriwal’s constituency, New Delhi, as well as Najafgarh, but both seats slipped away from AAP’s hands.

Congress MP from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, predicted that AAP would collapse after its defeat in Delhi. He claimed that Punjab should prepare for midterm elections, as many AAP MLAs are reportedly ready to switch parties. Randhawa further alleged that significant corruption scandals involving AAP would emerge in Punjab, similar to the liquor policy scam that shook Delhi. He also accused AAP of misusing Minimum Support Price (MSP) funds during this year’s paddy procurement.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National president JP Nadda for BJP’s historic victory in Delhi after 27 years. Jakhar urged PM Modi to free Punjab from the grip of AAP’s governance, referring to the party as a “disaster” for the state. He said the people of Punjab are now looking towards the Central Government for a solution to the prevailing law-and-order concerns in the state.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal congratulated the people of Delhi for rejecting AAP, calling the party a “deception” built on lies. He accused Kejriwal and his team of misleading voters in multiple states, including Punjab, and expressed hope that Punjab would soon get rid of AAP. Sukhbir Singh Badal stated that just as AAP had ruined Delhi, it was on the same path in Punjab, and the people must act swiftly to bring about change.

"We accept the mandate of the people with great humility. I congratulate the BJP for this victory and I hope they will fulfil all the promises for which people have voted them. We have done a lot of work in the field of health, education, infrastructure in the last 10 years. We will not only play the role of a constructive opposition but will also remain among the people and continue to serve them..."

In a major political upset, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal lost his stronghold in the New Delhi constituency to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by a margin of 3,182 votes. The defeat marks a significant turning point in Kejriwal’s political career, as he had held the seat since 2013, when he first rose to power by defeating three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress.

Arvind Kejriwal, an IAS officer-turned-politician, emerged as a key figure in Indian politics during the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by activist Anna Hazare. His political journey saw a meteoric rise as he challenged established parties and positioned AAP as an alternative to traditional powerhouses like the BJP and Congress.

After briefly stepping down in 2014, Arvind Kejriwal staged a massive comeback in 2015, securing a landslide victory with 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. He retained his stronghold in the 2020 elections with another decisive mandate, positioning himself as a formidable force in Delhi’s political landscape. However, the 2024 elections have proved to be a major setback, as Kejriwal’s loss signals a shift in voter sentiment.

Parvesh Verma’s rise: From MP to potential CM candidate

Parvesh Verma, a two-time Member of Parliament and the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, has long been a prominent figure in Delhi’s political landscape. His victory against Kejriwal, a leader who dominated Delhi politics for over a decade, marks a significant shift in the capital’s electoral dynamics.

Verma’s political journey has been shaped by his deep-rooted connection with Delhi’s electorate, particularly in the western belt of the city. His aggressive campaign strategy, focus on BJP’s governance model, and relentless criticism of AAP’s policies helped him gain traction among voters.

What led to Kejriwal’s defeat?

Arvind Kejriwal’s loss in New Delhi is symbolic of AAP’s larger decline in these elections. Several factors contributed to his downfall:

Corruption allegations: Arvind Kejriwal and his party have been embroiled in the liquor excise policy scam, leading to the arrest of key leaders like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh. This severely impacted AAP’s clean-governance image.

‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy: The controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s extravagant spending on his official residence further dented his credibility, as the BJP positioned him as disconnected from the common man’s struggles.

Split in Opposition votes: Congress fielded Sandeep Dikshit, son of former CM Sheila Dikshit, in New Delhi, further dividing the anti-BJP vote.

BJP’s strategic campaign: The BJP focused on governance issues, law and order, and infrastructure development, effectively countering AAP’s narrative.

Can Parvesh Verma be Delhi’s next CM?

While Verma’s victory over Kejriwal is significant, whether he will be named Delhi’s next Chief Minister remains uncertain. The BJP has traditionally relied on collective leadership rather than projecting a single CM face before elections.

If BJP secures a decisive majority, the party leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, will play a crucial role in selecting the next Chief Minister. While Verma’s name is in the mix, other senior leaders like Vijender Gupta, Manoj Tiwari, and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri could also be considered.

What this means for Delhi Politics

The BJP’s rise in Delhi after nearly three decades signals a major political shift. If the party forms the government, it could reshape policies around governance, infrastructure, and urban planning, areas where AAP previously held sway.

For AAP, this election result raises existential questions. Losing Kejriwal’s seat and a significant portion of the Assembly weakens the party’s position in national politics and casts doubt over its future leadership.