Delhi Election Result 2025: Arvind Kejriwal loses his stronghold in New Delhi constituency to BJP’s Parvesh Verma | Factors Behind Kejriwal’s Defeat
PTC Web Desk: In a major political upset, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal lost his stronghold in the New Delhi constituency to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by a margin of 3,182 votes. The defeat marks a significant turning point in Kejriwal’s political career, as he had held the seat since 2013, when he first rose to power by defeating three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress.
Arvind Kejriwal, an IAS officer-turned-politician, emerged as a key figure in Indian politics during the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by activist Anna Hazare. His political journey saw a meteoric rise as he challenged established parties and positioned AAP as an alternative to traditional powerhouses like the BJP and Congress. His victory in the 2013 Delhi elections was seen as a triumph of new-age politics over the old guard.
After briefly stepping down in 2014, Arvind Kejriwal staged a massive comeback in 2015, securing a landslide victory with 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. He retained his stronghold in the 2020 elections with another decisive mandate, positioning himself as a formidable force in Delhi’s political landscape. However, the 2024 elections have proved to be a major setback, as Kejriwal’s loss signals a shift in voter sentiment.
The Factors Behind Kejriwal’s Defeat
Several factors contributed to Kejriwal’s loss, including corruption allegations, the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy, and a declining public perception of AAP’s governance. His government came under intense scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor excise policy, leading to the arrest of senior leaders, including his former deputy Manish Sisodia. Kejriwal himself faced corruption allegations, further denting his image as an anti-corruption crusader.
Additionally, the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy—where Kejriwal was accused of spending exorbitantly on renovating his official residence—became a major issue during the election campaign. The BJP aggressively targeted him over this, portraying AAP as hypocritical and disconnected from the common man’s struggles.
Another crucial aspect was the rift between AAP and the Congress, both part of the opposition INDIA bloc. Congress fielded Sandeep Dikshit, son of Sheila Dikshit, further splitting the anti-BJP vote. A united opposition might have changed the outcome, but the alliance failed to materialize effectively on the ground.
The Rise of Parvesh Verma: BJP’s Giant Slayer
Parvesh Verma, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, has long been a key figure in the BJP’s Delhi politics. He previously served as a two-time Member of Parliament but was not given a ticket in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. His entry into the Assembly elections was seen as a strategic move by the BJP to challenge Kejriwal directly, and the gamble paid off. His victory not only marks a personal political milestone but also strengthens his position as a potential future leader for the party in Delhi.
- PTC NEWS
