Times of India

Delhi's recent election showcased a political shift, with BJP reclaiming power after 27 years, signaling Narendra Modi's regained dominance. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP faced a significant decline, losing due to voter dissatisfaction with infrastructure, especially among middle-class residents. Rahul Gandhi's influence appeared diminished, and opposition unity weakened.

With BJP governments now in all NCR states, PM Modi announced plans to enhance mobility and infrastructure across the region. Projects like the long-delayed RRTS corridors, major highway links, and Metro network extensions will be expedited, aiming to develop Delhi as a modern city with robust urban infrastructure.

Arvind Kejriwal accepted AAP's defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, emphasizing the party's contributions to health, education, and utilities over the past decade. BJP credited PM Modi's leadership and campaign efforts for their victory, with promises of significant governance changes. Kejriwal faced accusations of corruption and arrogance.

Delhi government officials have dismissed rumours of the secretariat being sealed following an order from the general administration department. The order restricts the removal of documents and computer hardware from the premises to ensure the safety of records. Officials affirmed that the secretariat is operating normally and that the security of official records is being maintained.

AAP's loss in the Delhi assembly polls could trigger significant political changes in Punjab, the only state currently governed by the party. The defeat may prompt internal realignments and a shift in focus to Punjab, challenging AAP to deliver on its promises in the remaining tenure.

In Sunder Nagri, the former stronghold of Arvind Kejriwal, residents express discontent over his perceived betrayal following the death of activist Santosh Kohli. Once ardent supporters, many have now shifted allegiance to the BJP, citing unfulfilled promises and corruption allegations against Kejriwal.

Manish Meena reported to railway authorities that his wife, Asha, secured a railway job through a dummy candidate for Rs 15 lakh. His complaint led to a probe and a CBI investigation, uncovering a potential larger recruitment scam. Suspensions have occurred, but there are suspicions involving senior officials that have yet to be addressed.

BJP has secured the highest number of reserved seats since 1993, winning 4 out of the 12 SC constituencies, including Mangolpuri for the first time. This marks a significant shift from previous elections where AAP dominated all SC seats. BJP's campaign focused on Dalit welfare initiatives amid controversies surrounding BR Ambedkar's legacy.

BJP secured four out of nine seats for its female candidates in the Delhi assembly elections, while AAP won one. Despite the highest female participation in decades with 95 women candidates, only five women were elected compared to eight in 2020. BJP's successful candidates include Shikha Roy, Neelam Pahalwan, Rekha Gupta, and Poonam Sharma.

In the 2025 Delhi assembly elections, BJP won 48 out of 70 seats with a 2.6% lead in vote share over AAP, reducing it to 22 seats. Highlights include BJP's narrow victories in Sangam Vihar and Trilokpuri and notable wins by AAP's Aaley Mohammad and Zubair Ahmed. BJP's Vijender Gupta secured a significant win in Rohini.

BJP's victory in the Delhi assembly elections boosted Haryana's leadership morale. Haryana's chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and former CM Manohar Lal Khattar played key roles in the campaign. Political theatrics between AAP's Kejriwal and BJP heightened, with controversy over Yamuna water quality highlighting the electoral clash.

For the first time since the Delhi assembly's formation in 1993, the city will send members of two different political parties to the Rajya Sabha. With BJP winning 48 seats and AAP securing 22 seats, the BJP will claim two seats while AAP will take one seat in the Upper House.

PM Modi emphasised tabling all pending CAG reports, including those on 'Sheesh Mahal' and the liquor policy, intensifying scrutiny on top AAP functionaries. Probes might extend to health, education, PWD, and DJB, highlighting alleged irregularities in various sectors, including Delhi schools and hospitals.

The new Delhi govt faces significant financial challenges in delivering on BJP's ambitious election promises, including monthly payments for underprivileged women and seniors. With a projected tax revenue of Rs 58,750 crore against increasing expenses, funding these schemes may require reallocating funds from other sectors or seeking central assistance.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia's loss leaves AAP needing to nurture new leadership as it transitions into opposition. Key remaining figures Atishi and Gopal Rai will need to consolidate AAP's position in the assembly amidst potential defections and leadership disputes.

The Election Commission is unlikely to pursue further action against former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's accusation of Haryana releasing "poisoned" Yamuna waters. With a criminal FIR and court case already filed in Haryana and Delhi elections over, EC intends to let the legal process unfold independently despite some violations of the law being noted.

The 2025 Delhi assembly elections highlighted the emergence of a younger generation of legislators. Notable first-time winners included BJP's Ravikant Ujjain in Trilokpuri, AAP's Chaudhary Zubair Ahmad in Seelampur, and BJP's Harish Khurana in Moti Nagar. These victories signify a generational shift in the city's politics.

AAP's Amanatullah Khan secured a hat-trick in Okhla with 88,943 votes, defeating BJP's Manish Chaudhary and other contenders. Despite past controversies and allegations, Khan's popularity remains strong within the community, earning most of the 43% Muslim vote, and continuing a long-standing trend of electing minority leaders since 1993.