NEW DELHI, INDIA:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory on Saturday, emphasizing that “development has prevailed” as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reclaimed control of Delhi in local elections.
“Development and good governance have triumphed,” Modi stated after the city’s former chief minister, a prominent opposition figure, conceded defeat.
The BJP, which governs nationally, had not held power in Delhi’s local legislature since 1998, making this victory both symbolic and strategically significant.
“We are committed to the comprehensive development of Delhi and improving the lives of its residents,” Modi shared on social media.
Election commission results confirmed that Arvind Kejriwal lost his seat to a BJP candidate, marking a major setback for his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal’s party had ruled Delhi, a metropolis of over 30 million people, for most of the past decade.
“We respect the people’s mandate and congratulate the BJP,” Kejriwal said in a video statement.
BJP supporters erupted in celebration outside the party’s headquarters in New Delhi, waving flags and holding posters of Modi as vote counting progressed.
The election commission indicated that the BJP had comfortably surpassed the majority threshold in the 70-seat assembly, securing roughly two-thirds of the seats.
“Our victory reflects the public’s trust in Prime Minister Modi’s vision for progress,” stated Amit Shah, India’s interior minister and a senior BJP leader.
“The Delhi results show that people cannot always be misled by false narratives.”
Kejriwal, who gained political prominence a decade ago as an anti-corruption advocate, faced legal troubles last year, spending several months in jail over allegations that his party accepted bribes for liquor licenses. Several AAP leaders were also implicated.
He has denied the accusations, claiming they are part of a politically motivated campaign by Modi’s administration.
Kejriwal played a key role in an opposition alliance ahead of last year’s general elections, during which the BJP experienced notable setbacks despite retaining power.
His loss in Delhi strengthens the BJP’s position significantly, according to Rahul Verma from the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi.
“The general election results now appear to have been a temporary setback for the BJP,” Verma noted. “This outcome also places AAP in a challenging position moving forward.”
