As the dust settles on the high-stakes Delhi Assembly elections, exit polls suggest a fierce battle between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With most surveys pointing toward a BJP victory, the national capital may be on the verge of a major political shift. While two outlier polls suggest AAP’s return for a third term, the broader consensus indicates that Arvind Kejriwal’s party is facing its toughest challenge yet.
BJP surges, AAP struggles
A compilation of exit poll predictions from reputed agencies highlights a significant trend – BJP is leading in most surveys, with AAP trailing and Congress nearly wiped out.
Except for Wee Preside and Mind Brink, all other exit polls predict a BJP surge, with several forecasting the party comfortably crossing the halfway mark. Peoples Pulse and Poll Diary give BJP its highest range of 51-60 and 42-50 seats, respectively, while most others place the party’s tally between 39 and 49 seats.
Kejriwal’s credibility crisis
AAP leader and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, once hailed for his governance model, entered these elections battling allegations of corruption, particularly in the Delhi Liquor Scam, which led to his imprisonment. This, along with multiple investigations into AAP leaders and the controversy surrounding the multi-crore renovation of his residence, appears to have dented his once-clean image.
Despite this, Kejriwal’s campaign remained focused on populist schemes – free water, electricity, and bus rides – while acknowledging past failures, such as his inability to clean the Yamuna River. However, his attempt to pin the blame on BJP-ruled Haryana for Delhi’s water pollution failed to gain traction.
BJP’s aggressive push
Out of power in Delhi since 1998, the BJP mounted a high-octane campaign, banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and key economic policies. The Union Budget’s tax relief for incomes up to Rs 12 lakh and India’s record GDP growth of over 8% appear to have resonated with the middle classes.
The party’s campaign aggressively targeted Kejriwal’s governance failures, highlighting:
– Unfulfilled promises (clean water, better roads, and pollution control)
• Corruption scandals involving AAP leaders
• Law and order issues, particularly the alleged deterioration in women’s safety
With a well-organised campaign and the backing of the central leadership, BJP appears poised for a comeback after 27 years.
Congress: A party in freefall
Once the dominant force in Delhi under Sheila Dikshit, the Congress now appears completely sidelined. Most exit polls predict a near wipeout, with a projected tally between zero and two seats. Rahul Gandhi, the face of the party, may find himself facing renewed criticism for failing to revive Congress in the capital.
Final verdict on February 8
While exit polls indicate a historic shift in Delhi’s power dynamics, the final results will be known on February 8. If BJP’s projected lead materialises, it will mark the end of Kejriwal’s decade-long rule and signal the BJP’s resurgence in Delhi. However, if AAP defies predictions, it would prove that Kejriwal’s appeal remains intact despite political setbacks.
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/bjps-delhi-sweep-looks-unstoppable/