Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced a shocking defeat in his stronghold, the New Delhi constituency, on Saturday. BJP’s Parvesh Verma, son of former Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, emerged victorious by a margin of 3,182 votes, marking a significant political shift in the capital.
Kejriwal’s loss reflects AAP’s dwindling fortunes, as the BJP is set to make a comeback in Delhi after 27 years. This defeat signifies a major setback for Kejriwal, who rose to prominence during the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare.
दिल्ली चुनाव के नतीज़ों पर AAP के राष्ट्रीय संयोजक @ArvindKejriwal जी का संदेश pic.twitter.com/BKyCnkSQtc
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 8, 2025
Arvind Kejriwal first secured the New Delhi seat in 2013, defeating the then Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit. He successfully retained his position in 2015 and 2020 with massive margins, solidifying his stronghold in the constituency. However, this year’s election result marks a significant shift in voter sentiment.
Corruption Charges and ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy
Kejriwal’s defeat comes amidst mounting corruption allegations and the controversial ‘Sheesh Mahal’ case, which dented his public image. The accusations, coupled with growing dissatisfaction among voters, contributed to the BJP’s resurgence in the national capital.
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Parvesh Verma’s victory over Kejriwal not only marks a personal win for the BJP leader but also signals a larger political realignment in Delhi. The BJP’s strategy of capitalizing on AAP’s controversies and voter discontent appears to have paid off, setting the stage for a new political chapter in the capital.
With this electoral upset, the BJP has successfully reclaimed its foothold in Delhi. The loss raises critical questions about AAP’s future strategy and Kejriwal’s political trajectory as he navigates the challenges ahead. As Delhi’s political landscape undergoes a transformation, all eyes will be on how both parties move forward from this defining moment.