Big Setback for AAP as Kejriwal Loses New Delhi Seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma
New Delhi, February 8, 2025 — In a significant political upheaval, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a major blow as its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, was defeated in the New Delhi constituency by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Parvesh Verma. This defeat marks a pivotal shift in the political landscape of the national capital.
According to the latest trends, the BJP is leading in 46 out of the 70 assembly seats, while AAP trails with leads in only 24 seats. This outcome signifies a remarkable comeback for the BJP, which has not held power in the Delhi region for over 25 years.
Notably, several prominent AAP leaders faced defeats in their respective constituencies. Arvind Kejriwal lost the New Delhi seat to Parvesh Verma, while Manish Sisodia and Avadh Ojha were also unsuccessful in Jangpura and Patparganj, respectively.
Analysts attribute AAP’s poor performance to internal strife and allegations of corruption. The resignation of seven AAP MLAs ahead of the elections, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership, weakened its position. Additionally, veteran social activist Anna Hazare criticized the party’s leadership, attributing the electoral setback to “ill-intentions” and missteps.
The election campaign was marked by intense rivalry, especially in the New Delhi constituency. Arvind Kejriwal faced a formidable challenge from BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit, making it a high-profile contest. The campaign period also witnessed tensions, with AAP alleging attacks on Kejriwal’s convoy by BJP supporters, claims which the BJP refuted.
This electoral defeat poses significant challenges for AAP, which had previously secured a landslide victory in the 2020 elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats. The party will need to introspect and address internal issues to regain public trust and political ground in future elections.
