Who has the advantage in the major battle for Delhi?

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking a fourth consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), often described as “the wounded tiger,” aims to reclaim power after a 27-year gap. In the meantime, the Congress party has recognized that it previously governed Delhi for 15 years and is making significant efforts to restore its past prominence.

All these parties, including the BJP—which had previously been opposed to offering freebies—are now appealing to voters with various social welfare schemes. During their campaigns, they have implemented strategies tailored to their respective strengths and weaknesses.

For the past decade, AAP has built its governance narrative in Delhi around key issues such as education, healthcare, and subsidized utilities. However, as it prepares for the 2025 elections, the party is facing challenges with anti-incumbency sentiments and corruption allegations that could undermine its popularity. 

In response to voter fatigue, AAP took a bold step by denying re-election tickets to several sitting MLAs and introducing new candidates. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal framed the election as a contest between "those working for Delhi and those trying to destroy it." AAP is aiming to strengthen its support among its traditional voter base, which includes working-class families living in slums and unauthorized colonies. Through localized town halls, door-to-door campaigns, and its extensive network of volunteers, AAP is emphasizing its achievements in transforming government schools, the success of mohalla clinics, and its ongoing welfare programs, alongside promises of new initiatives.

One of AAP's most significant challenges is addressing the corruption allegations against its leadership. While Kejriwal has attempted to dismiss these accusations as politically motivated, the opposition has ensured that these allegations remain a central theme in the electoral discourse.

For the BJP, this election represents more than just a fight for seats; it is also a referendum on AAP’s credibility. The party has launched a high-profile campaign that aggressively targets AAP’s governance record, corruption scandals, and claims of unfulfilled promises in both Delhi and Punjab. 

The Parivartan Yatra, which covered all 70 constituencies, is the BJP’s most extensive outreach program, seeking to reinforce its central message: Delhi deserves a fresh start. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have taken the lead, holding numerous rallies across the capital. Their speeches aim to undermine Kejriwal’s governance narrative by highlighting corruption allegations, financial mismanagement, and stalled development projects.

In contrast to AAP's strategy of introducing new candidates, the BJP has opted to field heavyweight candidates, including former MPs and prominent defectors from rival parties. Additionally, the BJP has focused on strengthening its booth-level mobilization, conducting extensive roadshows, and rolling out a robust social media campaign to amplify its criticisms of Kejriwal and his administration.