As vote counting for the Delhi Assembly elections progresses, early trends indicate a challenging scenario for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While Arvind Kejriwal has gained the lead in New Delhi, key leaders like Atishi and Manish Sisodia are trailing behind BJP candidates. The high-stakes election pits AAP’s governance model against the BJP’s aggressive campaign. Final results will determine if AAP can retain power or if the BJP makes a breakthrough in the national Capital.
As vote counting begins for the Delhi Assembly elections, initial trends indicate a mixed picture for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While its National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is leading, key leaders including Chief Minister Atishi and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia are trailing in their constituencies.
The AAP, which has been in power in Delhi for over a decade, faces a tough challenge in this election.
Kejriwal, contesting from the New Delhi seat, was initially behind BJP’s Parvesh Verma but has now taken the lead, according to the latest updates.
Manish Sisodia, who previously held the education portfolio, is trailing in Jangpura, while Chief Minister Atishi is behind BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri in Kalkaji.
Despite these setbacks, some AAP leaders are maintaining their edge. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj is ahead in Greater Kailash, while Gopal Rai is leading in Babarpur. Senior leader Durgesh Pathak, contesting from Rajinder Nagar, is also ahead.
However, several other prominent AAP candidates are struggling. Two-time Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan is trailing, while former minister Satyendar Jain, out on bail in a money laundering case, is lagging in Shakur Basti.
Avadh Ojha, an IAS exam coach who joined AAP before the elections, is trailing in Patparganj, the former stronghold of Sisodia. Somnath Bharti is also behind in Malviya Nagar.
The February 5 election, held to select members for the 70-seat Delhi Assembly, has been a showdown between AAP’s ‘Delhi model’ of governance and the BJP’s aggressive campaign highlighting corruption allegations against AAP leaders.
This morning, Atishi remained optimistic, asserting that AAP would retain power, calling the contest a battle between good and evil. Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj projected that the party would secure at least 40-45 seats.
The BJP, meanwhile, has stepped up its efforts to reclaim control of Delhi.
With counting still underway, the final outcome remains uncertain. The results will determine whether AAP can overcome early challenges to retain power or if the BJP can break its losing streak in the national capital.