1. BJP’s early start and relentless attack
The BJP didn’t wait for elections to begin its fight against AAP. Every controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s government, be it the excise policy case, corruption allegations, or the costly makeover of his official residence (dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by BJP) was used to weaken his image.
At first, BJP criticised AAP’s freebie politics, but later, it enthusiastically made its own populist promises. The party also pushed the concept of a double-engine government, while the ongoing tussle between the Lieutenant Governor and AAP fuelled perceptions of administrative dysfunction. By election day, a significant number of voters seemed to be convinced by BJP’s narrative.
2. The middle-class shift
AAP’s core support among lower-income groups remained intact, thanks to free water, electricity, and mohalla clinics. But the middle class wasn’t as forgiving. Poor roads, traffic nightmares, Yamuna’s pollution, and worsening air quality became major pain points.
Sensing the discontent, BJP went all in announcing the 8th Pay Commission to woo government employees, offering tax relief in the Budget, and presenting itself as the party that could ‘fix’ Delhi’s problems.
3. The ‘freebie’ narrative backfired
While AAP’s welfare policies had won it elections before, BJP managed to dent its credibility. Allegations of ‘fake medicines’ and ‘ghost patients’ in mohalla clinics, though denied by AAP, raised eyebrows. Add to that the polluted Yamuna and Kejriwal’s claim that the Haryana government was ‘poisoning’ it, voters along the Haryana border weren’t convinced, and AAP suffered heavy losses there.
4. The fall of brand Kejriwal
Kejriwal once stood for simplicity, a leader who refused government luxuries. But this time, his ‘common man’ image took a hit. The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy painted him as a leader disconnected from the struggles of ordinary people. Anti-incumbency wasn’t just against AAP, it was against Kejriwal himself.
5. The Modi wave returns (Modi hai toh mumkin hai…)
Unlike previous assembly elections, where Modi’s influence in Delhi was limited, this time, BJP made sure he was front and centre. His sharp attacks on Kejriwal, combined with the promise of better coordination between the Centre and Delhi, helped BJP secure its landslide victory.
