Arvind Kejriwal Concedes Defeat, Says AAP Will Be a ‘Constructive’ Opposition

Arvind Kejriwal Concedes Defeat: The BJP reclaimed Delhi after almost 26 years on Saturday (February 8, 2025) . For a party which is headed towards nearly two-thirds majority, this pledge is set to end the 27 years drought for the party in Delhi.

Power to the people, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed, was the slogan on his party's way to victory in Delhi Assembly elections. The PM declared that his party would leave no stone unturned for all round development of the city and to make lives better for its residents. Development and good governance have won, the Prime Minister said thanking the voters for a historic victory of the BJP in Delhi.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Adjusts Bride’s Lehenga, Takes Nazar at Brother’s Wedding – Watch

Delhi's Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi termed this public mandate as a "setback", but accepted it and vowed to carry on the party's struggle against the BJP.

Voting in Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 was closed on February 5 with a total voter turnout of 60.39%. Mustafabad recorded the highest voter turnout at 69%, in contrast, Karol Bagh recorded the lowest of 47.40%. Most exit polls Wednesday favored the BJP over the ruling AAP in the Delhi assembly polls, while Congress was projected to make no significant gains.

“We worked for the people of Delhi. We improved Delhi’s infrastructure…We will play a constructive role in Opposition. We are always standing with people," Kejriwal said on Saturday.

BJP, which had a comeback in the National Capital Territory after almost 27 years, leads in 48 seats from the total 70 assembly seats in Delhi. It was very effective for 10 years under the Chief Ministership of Arvind Kejriwal in the Capital.

However, Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia are the ones to lose from New Delhi and Jangpura constituencies. Among those doing well include incumbent chief minister; Atishi, Anil Jha, Imran Hussain, and Jarnail Singh.

Also Read: ACB Issues Notice to Arvind Kejriwal Over ₹15 Crore Allegation, Asks 5 Key Questions

Sisodia, the AAP leader trailing against BJP's Tanvinder Singh Marwah from the Jangpura seat, remarked that the party would "analyse results". “We fought the election very hard. But we fell behind by around 600 votes. I congratulate the candidate who won and hope that he will solve the issues of Jangpura," senior Sisodia told media.

Atishi, who is leading from Kalkaji, said, “I would like to thank the people of Kalkaji for their support. It’s the mandate of people of Delhi, we accept it."

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who had a fallout with AAP the last time, took an indirect dig at Arvind Kejriwal and posted, "Even Ravan's arrogance couldn't save him..." on X.

BJP supporters were seen celebrating with dhols and waving party flags outside its Delhi headquarters, whereas AAP's office wore a somber look.

Kejriwal had alleged a few days ago that BJP workers would attempt bribing slum-dwellers by offering Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 and marking their fingers with black ink to prevent them from voting on election day. “The most dangerous thing that is coming out is that they (BJP workers) will come to you, especially to our poor section, and they will give you money. They will say that they are from the Election Commission and you should cast your vote…First of all, let me inform you that the Election Commission does not go to your house and conduct voting. Do not be fooled by this, this is a lie, this is a fraud…If they put a black mark on your finger, then do not do it at all," Kejriwal had told Zee News.

Also Read: India Responds to Sheikh Hasina’s Anti-Yunus Remarks, Calls Out Dhaka