BJP Victory in Delhi: A Reflection on Modi's Leadership and Kejriwal's Governance

The BJP and its allies celebrated their victory in Delhi, viewing it as a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. In contrast, the Congress argued that the election was more about AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal than Modi's policies. The internal discord within the INDIA bloc surfaced, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mocking both Congress and AAP for contesting against each other.

INDIA Bloc's Internal Struggles

Shiv Sena UBT and NCP-SP members believed that BJP's win could have been avoided if Congress and AAP had joined forces. They stressed the importance of learning from this outcome. Congress, however, defended its decision to contest against AAP, pointing out that AAP had previously contested in states like Goa and Gujarat without considering opposition unity.

Congress media head Pawan Khera criticised those lamenting the lack of opposition unity. He described the Delhi election result as a rejection of a "Trojan horse" that threatened liberal values nationwide. Khera stated, "Majority of liberals are rightly cheering the fall of the facade so that the real champion of liberal values - the Indian National Congress - can emerge stronger to take the BJP on and defeat it."

Allegations of Election Irregularities

Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut accused BJP of using money, targeting rival party workers, and tampering with voter lists in Delhi, similar to tactics allegedly used in Maharashtra. He suggested that a Congress-AAP alliance would have defeated BJP in Delhi. Raut noted, "It would have been better had the ties between AAP and Congress been good."

NCP SP legislator Rohit Pawar remarked that ego clashes within INDIA bloc parties allowed BJP's unexpected victory. Meanwhile, most top leaders of INDIA bloc parties remained silent on the Delhi poll results.

BJP's Strategic Success

The BJP secured 48 seats in Delhi's 70-member Assembly, while AAP managed only 22 seats. The Congress failed to win any seats for the third time in a row. Union ministers and NDA partners praised Modi's leadership and Home Minister Amit Shah's strategies for this success.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulated BJP on its victory, stating, "The people of Delhi have expressed their full faith in the able leadership of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji." Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu echoed similar sentiments about Modi's leadership.

Reactions from Political Leaders

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that voters rejected Congress's claims about constitutional threats. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary said BJP's victory would strengthen NDA. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a triumph of faith in Modi's leadership.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised AAP's politics, saying farmers were tired of its governance. He added that Central government policies would now benefit them.

Congress Reflects on Defeat

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged their efforts to unseat AAP but admitted they didn't receive the expected mandate. Rahul Gandhi thanked party workers and voters while pledging to continue fighting for Delhi's progress against issues like pollution and corruption.

Jairam Ramesh noted that despite not winning seats, Congress increased its vote share through vigorous campaigning. He expressed optimism about Congress forming a government in Delhi by 2030.

Eknath Shinde credited Modi's appeal and Shah's strategies for BJP's victory. Anupriya Patel highlighted voters' preference for development, clean governance, and freedom from corruption as reasons for supporting BJP.