FEATURE: After a historic comeback, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed the government in Delhi after 26 years, securing a decisive victory with 48 out of 70 seats in the assembly elections. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which ruled the national capital for a decade, was reduced to just 22 seats, marking a major political shift. However, the new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, faces several challenges, from fulfilling its electoral promises to tackling Delhi’s pressing issues of pollution, infrastructure, and governance.
One of the BJP’s flagship promises during the elections was a monthly honorarium of ₹2,500 to women, surpassing AAP’s pledge of ₹2,100. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Dwarka on February 1, had assured that this decision would be taken in the first cabinet meeting. However, AAP leaders, including outgoing CM Atishi, have raised concerns about whether the BJP will actually implement the scheme. The BJP has also vowed to continue AAP’s welfare schemes, including free electricity up to 200 units, free water supply, and free bus rides for women. While BJP leaders have assured that these schemes will not be discontinued, AAP has questioned the party’s long-term commitment.
The BJP plans to introduce the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in Delhi, which provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per beneficiary. The AAP government had previously refused to implement it, arguing that Delhi’s existing healthcare system was superior. BJP has also announced plans to reform Mohalla Clinics, renaming them “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs,” amid allegations of corruption in their functioning. The party has also made it clear that it will investigate alleged corruption cases against AAP, including the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy and the liquor policy case. BJP has accused AAP of deliberately avoiding the tabling of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports to hide financial irregularities. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has assured that all pending reports will be tabled and examined thoroughly.
The cleaning of the Yamuna was a major election issue, with BJP accusing AAP of failing to deliver on its promises over the past decade. Following its victory, the BJP government has initiated clean-up operations along the 57-km stretch of the river in Delhi, deploying trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredgers to remove pollutants. Pollution remains a critical challenge for the new government. Delhi, one of the most polluted cities globally, requires urgent intervention to improve air quality. The BJP has committed to updating the city’s electric vehicle (EV) policy, which had remained stagnant under AAP since 2020.
The BJP has also promised to improve Delhi’s deteriorating roads and sewage system, key voter concerns during the elections. Addressing these infrastructure issues will be crucial for the party to maintain its credibility. Meanwhile, the delay in selecting a chief minister—which took over 10 days after the election results—has led to speculation about possible internal conflicts within the Delhi BJP unit. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai has claimed that BJP’s history of unstable leadership in Delhi, with three different chief ministers between 1993 and 1998, could repeat itself.
BJP’s performance in Delhi will not only define its governance in the capital but also shape AAP’s future in national politics. The AAP, which expanded its footprint by winning Punjab and contesting elections in multiple states, may see its influence wane after this loss. With Delhi now under BJP rule, the party must work swiftly to implement its policies, address governance challenges, and counter AAP’s aggressive opposition. The coming months will be a crucial test of whether the BJP can retain voter trust and effectively govern the national capital.