Intense Battle Between Prime Minister Modi's BJP and Arvind Kejriwal's AAP in Delhi Assembly Elections

Intense Battle Between Prime Minister Modi's BJP and Arvind Kejriwal's AAP in Delhi Assembly Elections

Delhi, February 5, 2025: In today's state elections in India's capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party, BJP, is aiming to unseat popular opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal, who leads the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Over 15 million voters have cast their ballots to elect members to the Delhi Legislative Assembly, in what is primarily a fierce contest between BJP and AAP. Voting began at 7 a.m. across 13,000 booths, and by 3 p.m., around 46.5% of voters had participated. The election results will be announced on Saturday.

This election is considered a significant test for Modi and his BJP, as the party lost its majority in last year's national election and had to form a coalition government. Delhi, a union territory with a population of over 20 million, has remained out of BJP's reach for over 27 years, despite having substantial support in the city.

AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has governed Delhi since 2015. Kejriwal was forced to resign as chief minister last year after being arrested on corruption charges but is currently out on bail.

In the last election, AAP won 62 of the 70 assembly seats. Both Modi and Kejriwal campaigned vigorously for the election, with their roadshows drawing thousands of supporters.

Both parties promised reforms in government schools, free healthcare, electricity, and a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 (about £18) for poor women. The main national opposition Congress party also participated, but pollsters suggest they have little chance of success.

Furthermore, Kejriwal was arrested last year along with two senior members of his party on charges of taking bribes from a liquor distributor, which they have called a political vendetta.

Despite failing to secure a majority on its own in last year's national election, BJP regained some ground in state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. The party hopes to benefit from recent changes in the federal budget, which included tax cuts for salaried individuals.