Will Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hold Delhi hostage for another five years, or will the BJP break through? Early leads indicate the BJP has crossed the halfway mark, while AAP is trailing far behind.

10-point summary of the unfolding story:

  • The Congress, after two consecutive defeats, is making a modest gain, currently leading in one seat. Exit polls predicted a dismal performance for the Congress, estimating that it would win no more than two to three seats in the 70-member assembly.
  • Exit polls for several places show a slight edge for the BJP over AAP, which has ruled Delhi since 2015. The Delhi liquor policy case is one of the biggest challenges faced by the AAP government. It saw Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia spend months in jail.
  • Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva is confident that the party will win nearly 50 seats. “The people of Delhi are fed up with the corruption-ridden, anarchic and incompetent rule of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP and voted decisively against it,” said Sachdeva.
  • However, AAP rejected the exit poll predictions and vowed to form the government again. “We will form the government again, securing over 50 seats,” said AAP leader Gopal Rai, although this forecast is lower than their overwhelming victories in the past two elections, showing the fierce competition this time.
  • “Under Kejriwal’s leadership, all candidates reported that AAP is set to win decisively with close contests in seven-eight seats,” Rai told reporters. “The Opposition is spreading this narrative through exit polls due to frustration over their imminent defeat.”
  • On Friday, Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to poach AAP MLAs, prompting the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to visit his house for evidence. Kejriwal refused to meet the officials, who subsequently served a legal notice requesting proof.
  • The ACB action followed a probe ordered by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena into claims that BJP offered AAP candidates Rs 15 crore and ministerial positions. The BJP demanded AAP retract its accusations or face legal consequences. Delhi BJP general secretary Vishnu Mittal also sought an investigation.
  • In the party meeting, Kejriwal continued his accusations against BJP for using exit polls to put “psychological pressure” on people and running “Operation Lotus,” referring to the BJP’s election symbol.
  • Vote counting begins at 19 centres in 11 districts of Delhi. One counting centre is scheduled for Shahdara and Central, East, South and Southwest districts. Two counting centres are lined up for North, West, Northeast, and Southeast districts; New Delhi and Northwest districts will have three each.
  • In the 2015 Delhi assembly elections, AAP dominated, winning 67 of 70 seats, and repeated its victory in 2020 with 62 seats, defeating BJP and Congress. A victory for AAP will cement Kejriwal’s grip on Delhi, while a BJP win could mark the end of his reign, for now.