Kejriwal faces graft allegations in pivotal Delhi election

On February 5, 2025, thousands of voters participated in the Delhi state legislature election, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aimed to oust the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal. Modi's party is seeking to capitalize on recent allegations of corruption against Kejriwal and his administration, which have surfaced amidst a historically contentious political backdrop. Kejriwal's AAP emerged victorious in the past elections, winning a commanding 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 elections. However, this election has seen the AAP encumbered by corruption accusations, as well as a critical shift in public sentiment towards Modi's party. The BJP, having struggled to gain ground in Delhi for nearly three decades, has recently regained momentum after winning state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. Modi's campaign has emphasized the need for improved governance and the need to address corruption, attempting to pivot the narrative away from Kejriwal's popular welfare policies. This tension was further compounded by Kejriwal's detachment from his chief ministerial role, passing leadership to his senior party member, which signaled internal turmoil as the election approached. The Supreme Court's involvement, with the release of Kejriwal on bail, has further heightened the stakes in an already charged political environment. Modi's administration has historically portrayed itself as a cleaner alternative to the AAP, criticizing the opposition's governance. In conjunction with this, voter preferences have been split in previous elections, with AAP dominating local contests while BJP maintains strength at the national level. The outcomes of these elections would have implications not just for regional governance but could also impact Modi’s national standing, particularly as he navigates a fractured political landscape. The stakes are high as both parties vie for the trust of over 20 million residents in Delhi, who are evaluating past performances and the viability of promises for educational, health, and welfare improvements.