Delhi Assembly Elections: Who Will Win Delhi?

Political Battleground in the Capital

Delhi, the national capital, sees thousands of migrants daily for employment and business purposes. Over the years, it has emerged as one of the world's biggest metropolitan cities. As the country's political center, Delhi Assembly elections have gradually become a fiercely contested battle. As the polls are approaching, Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have dominated the headlines, turning this into an intense political battleground.

Freebies in the Focus

The freebies have become an essential part of elections in Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra, thereby influencing the Delhi elections. The political parties are busily declaring welfare schemes for attracting voters. AAP, known for winning earlier elections with the promise of welfare schemes, has offered more this time. To this, the BJP and Congress have also enhanced their offers. The Union Budget provided a major financial relief that involved a rise in the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh. In return, Congress promised a caste census, which could help the party during elections.

AAP Faces a Tough Challenge

For AAP, these elections are critical. Once it was founded on the promise of fighting corruption, the party now faces corruption allegations affecting its image. Despite having been at the helm in Delhi for ten years, AAP is facing a voter backlash due to issues like polluted water and deteriorating roads. However, the party persists with its welfare schemes, free electricity, free drinking water, and free bus rides for women, which it had used in its previous wins. This time, it has promised ₹2,100 per month for women.

AAP is also scared that anti-BJP votes may splinter, now that Congress is seeking a resurgence. The more Congress gains ground, the worse AAP will become.

Congress in Search for Relevance

After two successive Assembly elections, Congress has suffered major defeats. AAP and BJP are dominating the fight, and Congress is struggling to make an impact. The party is focusing on Dalit and minority voters, but it remains uncertain how much this will translate into actual votes.

BJP's Aggressive Push for Power

The BJP has not been in power in Delhi since 1998, so this election is crucial for the party. It is not just concentrating on its strongholds but also targeting areas where AAP has a significant presence. BJP is working to gain support in slum clusters and unauthorized colonies with the help of the Sangh Parivar and affiliated groups.

Despite a stronger campaign compared to the previous elections, BJP faces drawbacks. The biggest drawback is the absence of a strong CM candidate against Kejriwal. Other drawbacks for the party have been internal conflicts and dissatisfaction with some candidates.

However, with the income tax relief announcement from BJP in the Union Budget, the middle class of Delhi-67% of the city's population-have appreciated this move and it is believed to be a significant blow for AAP's voters.

Who will win Delhi?

Amid AAP's welfare schemes, BJP's economic policies, and Congress's weakened state, the Delhi elections have the potential to be a real fight. AAP will rely on its welfare schemes; BJP on its financial policies; and however weakened Congress will give in its best efforts to stay relevant among voters. The final outcome will depend on how each party mobilizes its voter base in the coming weeks.