The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections marked a significant defeat for Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP), which lost power to the BJP. Several factors contributed to this downfall, from anti-
incumbency to corruption allegations and strategic miscalculations.
1. 10 Years of Anti-Incumbency
After ruling Delhi for a decade, AAP faced strong voter fatigue. Many citizens who once supported the
party for its fresh approach to governance now saw stagnation and inefficiency in its leadership.
2. Absence of Strategic Alliance with Congress – Rahul’s Payback for Haryana
Unlike in other states, where opposition parties united, AAP and Congress failed to form an alliance in
Delhi. Rahul Gandhi’s cold approach towards Kejriwal was seen as a response to AAP contesting in
Haryana, further damaging AAP’s vote base.
3. BJP Campaign Strategy Focused on Kejriwal, Not Hindutva
Rather than relying on Hindutva, the BJP centered its campaign on Kejriwal’s governance failures,
corruption charges, and internal party conflicts. This shift turned the elections into a direct battle
against Kejriwal, weakening AAP’s prospects.
4. MCD with AAP (2022) – A Double-Edged Sword
AAP’s victory in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in 2022 turned out to be a liability rather
than an asset. Governance failures, inefficiency, and allegations of corruption in MCD exposed AAP’s
inability to manage Delhi effectively.
5. Steady Departure of Senior Leaders Weakened AAP
Over the years, many prominent leaders left AAP, creating internal instability. The lack of experienced
politicians further weakened the party’s decision-making and electoral strategy.
6. Negative Campaigning by AAP Backfired
Instead of showcasing governance achievements, AAP relied heavily on attacking the BJP, Delhi
Police, Yamuna River Cleanliness etc. This excessive negativity alienated neutral voters and failed to
mobilize support.
7. Freebies vs. Reality – Poor Execution of Promised Development
While AAP continued to announce freebies, Delhi’s basic infrastructure, healthcare, and employment
sectors remained neglected. This disconnect between promises and ground reality led to voter
dissatisfaction.
8. Liquor Scam ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Dent Kejriwal’s ‘Aam Aadmi’ Image
The Delhi liquor policy scam and revelations about Kejriwal’s extravagant bungalow, dubbed “Sheesh
Mahal “, shattered his image as a simple, honest leader, creating trust issues among voters.
9. Non-Fulfillment of Promises
AAP’s failure to deliver key promises, such as full statehood for Delhi and better employment opportunities, eroded its credibility.
10. Swati Maliwal Factor – The Silent Storm Against AAP
Without contesting, Swati Maliwal became a key figure in AAP’s downfall. Her allegations against AAP
leaders and her viral cryptic post— Ahaankar Ravan ka bhi nahi bacha—resonated with voters,
symbolizing Kejriwal’s perceived arrogance. The controversy highlighted AAP’s internal conflicts and
credibility issues, further damaging its image.