BJP Ends 27-Year Drought in Delhi, Set to Name New Chief Minister After Historic Victory
New Delhi, February 9, 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has scripted a remarkable political comeback in the national capital, ending a 27-year hiatus by securing a decisive victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. The saffron party won 48 out of 70 seats, marking a dramatic shift in Delhi’s political landscape and ousting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which managed to secure only 22 seats. The Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi, failed to open its account, continuing its dismal performance in the capital.
With this victory, the BJP is set to appoint its fourth Chief Minister in Delhi, a position it last held in 1998. The party’s central leadership is now tasked with selecting the face of the new government, a decision that has sparked widespread speculation and anticipation.
A Look Back at BJP’s Last Stint in Power
The BJP’s last tenure in Delhi was marked by political turbulence, with three Chief Ministers serving between 1993 and 1998.
- Madan Lal Khurana (1993-1996): Known as ‘Delhi ka Sher’ (Lion of Delhi), Khurana was the BJP’s first Chief Minister after the 69th Constitutional Amendment restored an elected assembly in Delhi. His tenure lasted two years and 86 days before he resigned amid allegations linked to the Hawala scandal.
- Sahib Singh Verma (1996-1998): Verma, father of current BJP giant-killer Parvesh Verma, took over as Chief Minister in 1996. His tenure of two years and 228 days was marred by controversies, including soaring onion prices and water crises, leading to his resignation in 1998.
- Sushma Swaraj (1998): The late Sushma Swaraj, a towering figure in Indian politics, became Delhi’s first woman Chief Minister in October 1998. However, her tenure lasted only 52 days, as the BJP lost the subsequent assembly elections to the Congress, ushering in Sheila Dikshit’s 15-year rule.
The Road to Victory in 2025
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a turning point for the BJP, which capitalized on anti-incumbency sentiment, allegations of corruption against AAP, and its own robust campaign. Key factors that contributed to the BJP’s victory include:
- Parvesh Verma’s Giant-Killer Act: The son of former CM Sahib Singh Verma, Parvesh Verma defeated AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency by 4,089 votes, symbolizing the BJP’s resurgence.
- Focus on Governance: The BJP’s campaign highlighted issues like unemployment, pollution, and infrastructure, promising a riverfront on the Yamuna, housing for slum dwellers, and 50,000 government jobs.
- AAP’s Setbacks: Allegations of corruption, including the liquor scam, and criticism of Kejriwal’s lavish residence, dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ dented AAP’s image.
Who Will Be the Next CM?
With the BJP’s return to power after nearly three decades, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be the next Chief Minister of Delhi? Parvesh Verma, the giant-killer who defeated Kejriwal, is widely seen as the frontrunner. His victory in the New Delhi constituency, coupled with his family’s legacy and grassroots connect, makes him a strong contender.
However, the BJP’s central leadership is known for its unpredictability in such decisions. Other names in the mix include senior leaders like Ashish Sood, Pawan Sharma, Vijender Gupta, and Satish Upadhyay. There is also speculation that the party might opt for a woman leader, with Rekha Gupta and Shikha Roy being potential candidates.
A New Chapter for Delhi
The BJP’s victory marks the end of AAP’s decade-long rule and the beginning of a new era in Delhi’s governance. As the party prepares to form the government, the focus will be on delivering on its promises and addressing the challenges faced by the national capital.
Delhiites, who have waited 27 years for the BJP’s return, are hopeful that the new government will bring stability, development, and a fresh vision for the city. The announcement of the Chief Ministerial candidate, expected soon, will set the tone for the BJP’s tenure in Delhi.