In a significant political setback, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has lost his re-election bid from the New Delhi constituency to BJP’s Parvesh Verma, a former two-time MP. Kejriwal, who has held the seat since 2013, finished approximately 1,200 votes behind Verma, while Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit secured third place. The results have sparked renewed discussions about the strained relationship between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, both members of the struggling INDIA bloc, and whether an alliance could have helped Kejriwal retain his seat.
Parvesh Verma, often referred to as a 'giant-slayer' for his ability to defeat prominent opponents, is now being seen as a potential future Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of his late father, Sahib Singh Verma. Verma is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah following his victory, signaling his rising prominence within the BJP.
Kejriwal’s defeat marks the end of his decade-long dominance in the New Delhi constituency, which began in 2013 when he defeated then-Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress. This loss, coupled with the AAP’s poor performance across Delhi, underscores the party’s dramatic decline in this election. At the time of counting, the BJP was leading in 48 of Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats, while the AAP was ahead in only 22.
The AAP’s defeat is being viewed as a potential turning point for the party, with many calling it the 'end' of the AAP’s political influence. The loss of Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia—who also surrendered his contest in Janakpura—has dealt a severe blow to the party. Both leaders were previously jailed in connection with allegations of corruption in Delhi’s liquor excise policy. Adding to the party’s woes, Chief Minister Atishi is trailing in her constituency, further compounding the AAP’s challenges.
The election results highlight the BJP’s growing dominance in Delhi and raise questions about the future of the AAP, which once emerged as a formidable force challenging traditional political parties. With its top leadership facing setbacks, the party now faces an uphill battle to regain its footing in Delhi’s political landscape. Meanwhile, the BJP’s strong performance signals a potential shift in the capital’s political dynamics, with Parvesh Verma emerging as a key figure in the party’s future plans.
