BJP supporters erupted in celebration outside its Delhi headquarters as the latest counting trends showed the saffron party returning to power in the national capital after more than 26 years with a decisive mandate. Supporters danced to the beats of ‘dhol’ and waved party flags, creating a festive atmosphere.
The BJP appears to be heading for a historic win in Delhi. As per the early trends, the saffron party is leading in 41 seats, while AAP is leading in 29 seats, a massive drop from its previous tally. The Congress, which was leading in 1 seat in early trends, fell behind.
With the early trends showing a significant lead for the BJP, its Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva reaffirmed the party’s confidence in forming a government in the national capital. He said the next Delhi chief minister would be from the BJP and added that the central leadership would decide who it would be.
“The results so far are in line with our expectations but we will wait for the final outcome,” he told reporters after offering prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place.
AAP’s top leaders like Arvind Kejriwal (New Delhi), Atishi (Kalkaji), and Manish Sisodia (Jangpura) were trailing from their respective seats in early trends. However, Kejriwal was now leading from New Delhi. BJP’s Kapil Mishra is leading from Karawal Nagar. Manjinder Singh Sirsa is also leading from Rajouri Nagar.
Most exit polls released on Wednesday gave the BJP an edge over the AAP. However, AAP leaders said that exit polls have historically underestimated the party’s performance. They expressed confidence in returning to power.
The BJP’s campaign, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted the AAP over alleged toxicity in the Yamuna River and the renovation of Arvind Kejriwal’s residence as Chief Minister. The PM also used the terms “Aapda” and “Sheesh Mahal” to slam Kejriwal.
The results will decide whether the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retains power for a fourth consecutive term or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stages a comeback after more than 26 years. The Congress, which has failed to win a single seat in the last two elections, hopes to regain some ground.
The run-up to the counting witnessed high drama. On Friday, a team from the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) arrived at AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s residence at 5, Ferozeshah Road, to seek evidence supporting his claim that the BJP had attempted to poach AAP candidates by offering them Rs 15 crore and ministerial positions.
As Kejriwal was not present, ACB officials served a legal notice demanding proof of the allegations. This action followed Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s order for an ACB probe into the matter.
