Delhi election results: Arvind Kejriwal concedes defeat, congratulates BJP

Delhi election results: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday conceded defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections and congratulated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on its victory, marking the end of AAP’s decade-long rule in the national capital.

According to the Election Commission’s data after 14 rounds of counting, Verma defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 4,089 votes. Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit won 4,568 votes.

Addressing the media, Kejriwal, the AAP national convenor, said, “We respect the mandate of the people of Delhi. I extend my congratulations to the BJP for their success in the elections. I hope they will fulfil the promises that earned them the trust of the people.”

Reflecting on AAP’s governance, he added, “Over the past decade, we have worked extensively in health, education, infrastructure, and other key areas. We have always aimed to provide relief to Delhiites. While we may not be in power now, AAP will continue to serve as a constructive opposition and work for society’s welfare.”

Expressing gratitude to party workers, Kejriwal remarked, “I want to thank every AAP worker who gave their all in this election. They endured many challenges but fought with determination. It was a tough battle, and I am proud of our efforts.”

The BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi since 1998, appears poised to form the government, securing a comfortable lead over AAP. According to the latest update from the Election Commission of India (ECI) at 2:42 PM, BJP is ahead in 47 seats, while AAP is leading in 23. The majority mark in the 70-member assembly is 36.

As results trickle in, the BJP has so far won 13 constituencies, including Rithala, Shalimar Bagh, Tri Nagar, Moti Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Hari Nagar, Rajinder Nagar, Chhatarpur, Sangam Vihar, Greater Kailash, Patparganj, Laxmi Nagar, and Gandhi Nagar. Meanwhile, AAP has secured victories in 11 seats, including Kirari, Sultanpur Majra, Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Ballimaran, Tilak Nagar, Delhi Cantt, Tughlakabad, Kondli, Seelampur, and Babarpur.

With BJP inching closer to a clear majority, party workers and supporters have already begun celebrations outside the party’s headquarters in New Delhi. Jubilant BJP workers were seen bursting firecrackers, dancing, and singing as they anticipated the party’s return to power in the capital after a long wait.

Also Read: Delhi Election Results: Arvind Kejriwal loses to BJP’s  Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma

Polling for the Delhi Assembly elections was conducted on February 5, with the city witnessing a voter turnout of 60.54 per cent. The BJP’s campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on attacking AAP over alleged mismanagement, particularly the condition of the Yamuna River and the controversial renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence. Modi had repeatedly used terms like Aapda (disaster) and Sheesh Mahal (glass palace) to criticize the AAP government.

With the BJP on course for a resounding victory, all eyes are now on the party’s next steps as it prepares to form the government in Delhi after over two decades.