Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 9, 2025, Delhi: BJP is set to form the government in Delhi after a massive victory in the 2025 Assembly elections, ending a 27-year-long wait for power in the capital. While this outcome marks a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), political experts suggest that it could also have implications for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. Despite the differences in size and characteristics between Delhi and West Bengal, the trends seen in Delhi’s election may serve as a warning sign for TMC, especially with BJP as the primary opposition.
One of the key takeaways from AAP’s defeat is the diminishing effectiveness of charity-driven politics. Arvind Kejriwal’s administration introduced several populist measures, including free bus travel for women, subsidized electricity bills up to 200 units, and even financial allowances for Hindu priests. However, this election result indicates that voters may be prioritizing governance and development over such schemes, setting a precedent that could influence political strategies in other states, including West Bengal.
Another significant factor was the shifting pattern of Muslim votes. It is believed that a portion of AAP’s traditional Muslim voter base was divided between Congress and AIMIM. While AAP’s Amanatullah Khan retained his seat in Okhla, AIMIM gained a strong foothold, securing the second position. In Mustafabad, AIMIM’s presence further fragmented the vote share, ultimately benefiting the BJP candidate. If this trend continues, it could weaken opposition strongholds in states like West Bengal, where Muslim votes play a crucial role in electoral outcomes.
AAP’s continuous confrontations with the BJP-led central government also played a role in its decline. Since coming to power, the Kejriwal administration has frequently clashed with the center, leading to policy roadblocks and withdrawal from several central projects. In a centrally controlled union territory like Delhi, such conflicts may have alienated voters who prefer cooperative governance. Similar patterns have been observed in West Bengal, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has consistently opposed the central government. Analysts speculate that prolonged conflicts with the center could create political challenges for TMC in the future.
With BJP’s resurgence in Delhi, the political landscape in India is witnessing significant shifts. The implications of this victory extend beyond Delhi, posing strategic challenges for opposition parties in other states. The evolving voter sentiment and changing political dynamics will be crucial in determining the course of upcoming elections across the country.
