As the two parties vie for this critical vote bank, the question remains: Who will win their trust?
Who are Purvanchali voters and why do they matter?
Purvanchali voters, originating from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, constitute approximately 25-30% of Delhi’s electorate. They constitute a dominant population in more than 20 of the 70 assembly constituencies in Delhi, concentrated largely in areas such as East Delhi and parts of North Delhi. Neighborhoods, such as Burari, Patparganj, Badarpur, Uttam Nagar, and Vikas Puri, are almost completely dependent on the Purvanchali ballots to pursue their electoral outcome.
However, historically, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP is the party that has been getting maximum support from this population segment. The impact of Purvanchali voters was seen in the 2015 and 2020 elections, which tipped the scales in favor of a record win for the AAP. Therefore, they form an important vote bank for any other party eyeing victory in Delhi.
BJP’s strategy: How to woo Purvanchali voters?
For the BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi for nearly three decades, this controversy is a chance to win Purvanchali voters. The party is framing Kejriwal’s remarks on “fake voters from UP and Bihar” as assertions on the dignity of the Purvanchali. By leveraging this narrative, the BJP aims to position itself as a defender of Purvanchali pride.
It is backed by mass movements, social media campaigns and rallies. If this controversy helps the BJP rally Purvanchali voters in its favour, AAP could face a serious dent in its vote bank, particularly in areas where they are concentrated.
AAP in a damage control mode
The stakes are high for the AAP. Having relied heavily on Purvanchali support in past elections, the party now faces the challenge of containing the fallout. Kejriwal’s remarks against the discrepancies in the alleged voters’ lists have changed form and are being used against him, forcing AAP into damage control mode.
To retain its grip on Purvanchali voters, AAP is likely to emphasise its track record of governance, including improvements in healthcare, education, and public services that have benefited this community.
Party leaders are also clarifying that Kejriwal’s comments targeted electoral malpractices, not the community itself. Whether this new story will convince the voters or not is not known.
What’s at stake in 2025?
The upcoming elections are shaping up as a battle for narratives. For the BJP, swaying Purvanchali voters could be the key to breaking AAP’s dominance in Delhi. For AAP, retaining this critical demographic is essential to secure another term.
As campaigns heat up, the focus will remain on how Purvanchali voters respond to this controversy. Their choices could determine not just the outcome of the 2025 elections but also the political trajectory of Delhi in the years to come.
