Delhi Elections 2025: Congress’ Comeback Rattles AAP.

As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections approach, the political arena is heating up with fierce competition between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress. While AAP and BJP were initially seen as the primary contenders, Congress has made an unexpected comeback, challenging AAP with an aggressive campaign and raising questions about its governance. This sudden shift has created new dynamics in the election, with Congress emerging as a serious contender and a potential disruptor for AAP.
AAP’s Early Dominance Faces a New Challenge
For much of the pre-election period, it appeared that the Delhi elections would be a straightforward battle between AAP and BJP. Congress, which had been on the backfoot in recent years, seemed content to play a minor role. However, with the announcement of the election dates, Congress has changed its approach, launching a series of attacks on AAP and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal.
Congress’ resurgence has unsettled AAP, which is aiming for a fourth consecutive term in Delhi. The party’s confidence, built on its strong performance in previous elections, is now being tested by Congress’ targeted campaign.
Congress’ Shift in Strategy
Congress’ decision to adopt a more aggressive stance is rooted in its need to reclaim lost ground in Delhi. The party’s decline over the years has coincided with AAP’s rise, as many traditional Congress voters shifted their support to Kejriwal’s party. Now, Congress is working to win back these voters by highlighting AAP’s alleged governance failures and presenting itself as a credible alternative.
Senior Congress leaders, including Ajay Maken and Pawan Khera, have been vocal in their criticism of AAP. They have accused the Kejriwal government of corruption, mismanagement, and failing to deliver on its promises. This marks a significant departure from Congress’ earlier strategy, which often involved avoiding direct confrontation with AAP.
The Indy Alliance and Congress’ Isolation
The Indy alliance, a coalition of opposition parties, has complicated the political equation in Delhi. While many alliance members have expressed support for AAP in the elections, Congress has chosen to go it alone. This decision reflects Congress’ belief that it must rebuild its independent identity and counter AAP’s dominance to remain relevant in Delhi politics.
Congress’ isolation within the alliance has fueled its determination to take on AAP aggressively. The party sees the Delhi elections as an opportunity to not only regain its footing in the capital but also to send a message to voters in other states where AAP is emerging as a rival.
Historical Vote Bank Shifts Favoring AAP
One of the key factors behind AAP’s success in Delhi has been its ability to attract Congress’ traditional vote bank. In the last three assembly elections, AAP’s victories were largely due to the erosion of Congress’ support base. Political analysts believe that if Congress can reclaim even a portion of these voters, it could significantly impact AAP’s chances of winning a fourth term.
Congress’ campaign is focused on this very objective. By highlighting issues such as corruption, governance failures, and policy missteps, the party hopes to convince voters that AAP is not the clean and efficient alternative it claims to be.
Congress Targets AAP on Governance Issues
Congress’ attacks on AAP have centered on several key issues:
- Corruption Allegations: Ajay Maken has accused the Kejriwal government of financial irregularities, citing the CAG report as evidence.
- Liquor Policy Scandal: Congress has released an alleged audio clip implicating AAP MLA Sharad Chauhan in a fundraising scheme linked to the controversial liquor policy.
- Healthcare and Education Claims: Congress leaders argue that AAP’s much-touted achievements in healthcare and education are overstated and built on the foundation laid by former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
Congress is also appealing to voters’ nostalgia by emphasizing the achievements of its previous governments in Delhi. The party’s slogan of returning to “Purani Delhi” aims to remind voters of the stability and progress associated with its earlier tenure.
AAP’s Response to Congress’ Resurgence
AAP has sought to counter Congress’ attacks by emphasizing its track record in governance. The party has highlighted its achievements in education, healthcare, and public services, arguing that these initiatives have transformed Delhi and improved the lives of its residents.
However, Congress’ aggressive campaign has forced AAP to defend its record more vigorously than in previous elections. The party is now facing criticism from multiple fronts, including BJP, which has also ramped up its attacks on Kejriwal’s government.
The Role of BJP in the Election
While much of the focus has been on the rivalry between AAP and Congress, BJP remains a significant player in the Delhi elections. The party has been working to consolidate its support base and position itself as the primary alternative to AAP.
BJP’s campaign has focused on issues such as law and order, infrastructure development, and national security. The party is also targeting AAP on corruption and governance issues, creating additional pressure for Kejriwal and his team.
A High-Stakes Election
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Congress’ resurgence has added a new dimension to the political landscape, challenging AAP’s dominance and creating a three-way contest with BJP.
As the election date approaches, the stakes are high for all three parties. AAP is fighting to retain its hold on Delhi, Congress is striving to reclaim its lost ground, and BJP is aiming to establish itself as a viable alternative. The outcome of the election will not only determine the future of Delhi’s governance but also have broader implications for Indian politics.
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