AAP’s loss in the 2025 Delhi elections marks a turning point in its political journey. Once hailed as a disruptor in Indian politics, the party now faces an existential crisis
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a significant political shift, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffering a massive defeat after a decade-long rule in the capital. This loss was unexpected for many, given the party’s stronghold over Delhi politics since 2013. However, several factors—ranging from anti-incumbency, corruption allegations, and governance issues to strategic miscalculations—contributed to AAP’s downfall. This write-up explores in detail the reasons behind AAP’s electoral debacle and the resurgence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the national capital.
Anti-Incumbency and the Weight of Expectations
One of the major reasons behind AAP’s defeat was the natural cycle of anti-incumbency. After ten years in power, dissatisfaction among voters had built up, especially in areas where the party had made big promises but failed to deliver tangible results.
AAP initially gained popularity for its focus on health, education, and affordable utilities, such as subsidized electricity and water. However, in its later years, the party’s governance record became mixed. While schools and hospitals improved, other civic issues remained unresolved. Delhi’s air pollution levels continued to be among the worst in the world, and the promised clean water supply remained unreliable in many areas. Additionally, problems such as increasing traffic congestion, poor road maintenance, and ineffective garbage disposal systems alienated a section of the middle class that had once supported the party.
Despite attempts to expand its welfare schemes, the government struggled to maintain the same level of trust it had earned in its initial years. The failure to fully meet voter expectations led to a decline in AAP’s credibility, fueling anti-incumbency sentiments.
Corruption Allegations and Tarnished Reputation
AAP came to power with the promise of eradicating corruption, but by 2025, it found itself embroiled in multiple corruption scandals. The biggest blow to its reputation was the liquor policy scam, where senior leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, were accused of receiving bribes from liquor vendors in exchange for favorable policies.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched investigations, leading to high-profile arrests. Kejriwal’s arrest just months before the election created an unprecedented crisis for AAP. Though the party tried to frame the allegations as a politically motivated attack by the central government, public perception had already shifted. Voters who once saw AAP as a party of clean governance began to question its integrity. These corruption allegations significantly weakened AAP’s anti-corruption narrative, which had been its founding principle. The loss of credibility proved to be a major setback in the elections.
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy: Betrayal of the Common Man’s Image
Another major controversy that hurt AAP’s electoral prospects was the luxurious renovation of Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by the opposition. Reports revealed that over Rs 33 crore was spent on revamping the bungalow, contradicting Kejriwal’s long-standing image as a leader of the common man.
The BJP and Congress used this controversy to their advantage, portraying Kejriwal as a hypocrite who preached simplicity but indulged in lavish expenditures. The public, especially lower-middle-class and working-class voters who had supported AAP for its pro-people policies, felt betrayed. The extravagant expenses, particularly at a time when Delhi was grappling with inflation and economic difficulties, further dented AAP’s credibility.
Strategic Missteps and Political Miscalculations
AAP’s electoral strategy in 2025 also played a crucial role in its downfall. Unlike in the 2019 and 2024 national elections, where AAP had allied with Congress in some seats to counter the BJP, the party chose to go solo in the Delhi Assembly elections. This decision proved costly.
Despite being a weakened force in Delhi, Congress aggressively campaigned against AAP, splitting the opposition vote. Many traditional Congress supporters, who might have chosen AAP as a second option, returned to their original party, reducing AAP’s vote share.
Additionally, Kejriwal’s national ambitions may have backfired. Over the years, AAP expanded its presence in Punjab, Gujarat, and other states, but this led to the perception that Kejriwal was more focused on national politics than Delhi’s governance. His frequent absence from the city and focus on expanding AAP beyond Delhi weakened his connection with local voters.
Civic Issues and Local Governance Failures
Despite holding power in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) since 2022, AAP struggled to improve civic amenities. Issues such as inefficient garbage collection, irregular water supply, and deteriorating road conditions remained unaddressed.
One of the biggest failures was the inability to resolve Delhi’s persistent pollution crisis. Smog continued to plague the city every winter, and AAP’s odd-even vehicle rationing scheme was seen as an ineffective temporary solution rather than a long-term plan. The lack of permanent measures, such as reducing industrial pollution and improving waste management, made AAP look incompetent in handling one of Delhi’s most pressing issues.
Additionally, complaints of bureaucratic inefficiencies and mismanagement in municipal projects led to further dissatisfaction among voters, who expected better results from AAP’s control over the city’s administration.
BJP’s Targeted Campaign and Strategic Gains
While AAP struggled with controversies and governance challenges, the BJP ran a well-planned campaign focused on governance and corruption issues.
Unlike previous elections where BJP relied on religious polarization, in 2025, it emphasized urban infrastructure, development, and financial support schemes for various demographics. It targeted AAP’s failures in civic management and corruption scandals, projecting itself as the more stable and reliable alternative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct involvement in the campaign also played a crucial role. His rallies in Delhi reinforced BJP’s message, and his personal appeal helped sway undecided voters. Additionally, BJP strategically highlighted AAP’s alleged misgovernance while presenting itself as the party that could bring better development and stability to Delhi.
Changing Voter Sentiments and a Shift in the Middle-Class Vote
AAP’s core voter base has traditionally included the middle class, lower-middle-class, and urban poor. However, in 2025, a significant portion of the middle class shifted towards BJP.
Several factors contributed to this shiftSanj
• Corruption allegations made voters doubt AAP’s honesty.
• Civic issues like road maintenance and pollution affected daily life, making many reconsider their choice.
• Kejriwal’s national aspirations created the perception that he was distracted from Delhi’s governance.
• On the other hand, BJP successfully attracted middle-class voters by promising infrastructural improvements, financial support for small businesses, and better civic management. This shift played a decisive role in AAP’s defeat.
Conclusion: The End of an Era for AAP?
AAP’s loss in the 2025 Delhi elections marks a turning point in its political journey. Once hailed as a disruptor in Indian politics, the party now faces an existential crisis. While governance failures, corruption allegations, and strategic missteps contributed to its downfall, BJP’s well-organized campaign further ensured its defeat.
Going forward, AAP will need to undergo major internal reforms if it hopes to regain political relevance. It must address the corruption allegations head-on, rebuild public trust, and refocus on governance rather than national ambitions. Whether AAP can stage a comeback or if this marks the beginning of its decline remains to be seen.
For now, the 2025 elections serve as a reminder that in politics, public perception is everything—and once lost, it is incredibly difficult to regain.
(The writer can be reached at: [email protected])
