
One of the BJP’s key challenges in the city-state has been the absence of strong local leadership. While its national campaign machinery is robust, Delhi voters tend to prioritise localised issues, favouring leaders who resonate with their immediate concerns. Arvind Kejriwal, as the incumbent Chief Minister, remains a significant advantage for AAP, embodying grassroots appeal bolstered by welfare initiatives in education, healthcare, and public utilities.
Moreover, internal dissent and strategic missteps have plagued the BJP’s candidate selection process. Fragmented party unity and dissatisfaction among local leaders have often resulted in a diluted campaign focus. Coupled with the AAP’s entrenchment and its ability to address urban-centric issues effectively, the BJP faces an uphill battle in crafting a compelling counter-narrative.
The situation is similar for Congress. The party’s inability to establish a credible face against Arvind Kejriwal has been a significant challenge. This struggle is evident in its failure to replicate the success of Sheila Dikshit, who led Congress to three consecutive terms as Delhi’s Chief Minister from 1998 to 2013.
Significant development and efficient governance marked Sheila Dikshit’s tenure, earning her a lasting legacy in Delhi’s political landscape. Her accomplishments in infrastructure, public services, and overall city management set a high standard for any successor. However, since her passing, the Congress party has struggled to find a leader who can evoke the same level of trust and admiration among Delhi’s electorate.
The rise of Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP has further complicated the Congress party’s efforts. Kejriwal’s governance model, which focuses on welfare schemes and affordable services, has resonated with many Delhi residents. His administration’s promises of free electricity, water, and healthcare have garnered significant support, making it difficult for Congress to present a compelling alternative.
In recent years, the Congress party has attempted to revive its presence in Delhi by promising to restore the developmental legacy of Sheila Dikshit. However, the results of these efforts have been inconsistent. The party’s campaign promises, such as financial assistance for women and health insurance for all residents, have not been enough to sway voters who remain loyal to Kejriwal’s AAP.
The CM Face
At the same time, Kejriwal, the AAP’s national convener, has established himself as a well-recognised and influential figure in Delhi politics. His leadership, along with the AAP’s governance model, has resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, making him a formidable opponent.
In contrast, the BJP has struggled to project a strong chief ministerial candidate who can match Kejriwal’s appeal and connect with voters on a personal level. The party’s reliance on national leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for campaigning underscores this leadership gap. While these leaders have significant influence, their focus on national issues may not fully address the local concerns and aspirations of Delhi’s voters.
Projecting a particular leader for the chief ministership is a challenge for Congress too. The party confronts a formidable challenge in reestablishing its presence in the capital. Without a credible face to challenge Kejriwal, the party risks another election without a seat in the Delhi assembly.
The Congress must urgently identify and promote a leader who can inspire confidence and offer a viable alternative to Kejriwal’s governance model. The Congress party’s struggle to find a credible face in Delhi highlights the challenges of political leadership and the importance of legacy in shaping voter perceptions. Without a strong leader, the party’s prospects in the 2025 Delhi Assembly election remain uncertain.
The leadership gap was also evident in the BJP’s candidate selection strategy. The party has fielded several prominent leaders, including former MPs and national office-bearers, but none have emerged as a clear contender for the chief ministerial position. This lack of a strong, charismatic local leader could hinder the BJP’s ability to connect with voters on a personal level and present a compelling alternative to Kejriwal’s leadership.
Fractured Opposition Landscape
Adding to the complexity is the fractured opposition landscape for the parties. The Congress, despite its diminished electoral relevance in Delhi, still commands pockets of loyalty. Its independent participation in the fray threatens to split anti-AAP votes, making the BJP’s task even more challenging.
BJP announced candidates for only 59 out of 70 constituencies, reflecting a lack of cohesion and organisational strength. This uncertainty within the party had impacted its campaign effectiveness and voter outreach, making it difficult to present a united front against the AAP.
A notable instance was the situation in Karawal Nagar, where incumbent BJP MLA Vijender Singh Bisht has openly opposed the party’s choice to field Kapil Mishra as the candidate for the upcoming elections. Bisht, who secured victory in the 2020 elections against AAP’s Durgesh Pathak, expressed his dissatisfaction by stating, “I will file my nomination from Karawal Nagar and not contest any other seat.” He further criticised the party’s internal dynamics, suggesting that “those who dedicated themselves to grassroots work were often sidelined, while others who gained favor through flattery were rewarded.”
Such internal discord was not isolated. In Mustafabad, the BJP initially replaced six-time MLA Mohan Singh Bisht with a new candidate, leading to unrest among local party workers. The backlash prompted the party to reconsider its decision, ultimately reinstating Bisht as the candidate in its third list.
No Alternative Narrative
The singular focus on AAP bashing by both BJP and Congress was a significant faultline. The BJP’s narrative, centered around allegations of corruption against Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP, lacks an alternative vision that resonates with the electorate. This approach overlooks the popularity of AAP’s populist schemes, such as the Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises ₹2,100 monthly to women, and the Sanjeevani Yojana, offering free medical treatment for senior citizens.
Meanwhile, the Congress party’s campaign promises, such as financial assistance for women and health insurance for all residents, have not been enough to sway voters who remain loyal to Kejriwal’s AAP as well.
Since Kejriwal’s strategic rollout of these schemes has bolstered his image as a leader who prioritises the welfare of Delhi’s residents, both the opposition parties’ failure to present a compelling alternative narrative that addresses local issues and offers tangible benefits to voters puts it at a disadvantage. Instead of solely attacking AAP, these parties BJP had to articulate a clear and positive vision for Delhi’s future, focusing on development, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Without a robust alternative narrative, both Congress and BJP risks alienating voters who have benefited from AAP’s initiatives. To effectively challenge Kejriwal and the AAP, so these parties must have shifted their strategies from criticism to constructive proposals that address the needs and aspirations of Delhi’s electorate. This change was crucial for them to gain traction and present itself as a viable alternative in the election.
Let’s wait for the poll results on February 8 to see what the people of Delhi have chosen, though the early voting percentage on Tuesday gives mixed signals.
— The author, Prof. Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh), is a political observer and columnist who teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. The views expressed are personal.
Read his previous articles here