From 'Sheesh Mahal' to Sheesh Mahal exit: AAP's dream shattered in Delhi

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections saw the BJP take a significant lead over the AAP, according to initial Election Commission trends and exit poll predictions. The counting of votes began on February 8, 2025, determining whether AAP would secure a fourth consecutive term or if BJP would return to power after more than 26 years.

Election Commission Trends at 3 PM

By 3 PM on February 8, 2025, the Election Commission trends indicated that the BJP had won 20 seats and was leading in another 27, totaling a potential 47 seats. The AAP had won 11 seats and was leading in 12, giving them a potential of 23 seats. 

The Congress party was not leading in any seat at that time. Most exit polls accurately predicted a BJP victory. Axis My India projected BJP winning 45-55 seats, and AAP securing 15-25. Today's Chanakya predicted 45-57 seats for BJP and 13-25 for AAP. People's Insight exit poll gave BJP and allies 40-44 seats, and AAP 25-29. CNX predicted a landslide for BJP with 49-61 seats and 10-19 for AAP. The People's Pulse exit poll showed the NDA was likely to get 51 to 60 seats, while the AAP was said to get 10-19 seats.

Exit Poll Discrepancies

Some exit polls differed from the majority. Wee Preside predicted an AAP victory with 46-52 seats, and 18-23 for BJP. Mind Brink Media predicted 44-49 seats for AAP, 21-25 for BJP, and 0-1 for Congress. Matrize exit poll predicted BJP-led NDA would get 35-40 seats, while AAP might bag 32-37 seats. DV Research predicted 26-34 seats for AAP and 36-44 for BJP and allies, giving zero seats to Congress.

Key Candidates and Constituencies

Key candidates in the Delhi elections included Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) contesting from the New Delhi constituency, Atishi from Kalkaji, and Manish Sisodia from Jangpura. The New Delhi constituency witnessed an intense contest between Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma (BJP), and Sandeep Dikshit (INC).

Election Manifestos

The AAP manifesto focused on public welfare, including financial assistance for women, improved water supply, and specialized medical care for the elderly. BJP's manifesto promised urban infrastructure boost, women empowerment, and social security measures.

As vote counting began, BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva stated that Delhi's citizens would choose between development and corruption and that the results would reflect a choice for progress1. AAP candidate Manish Sisodia acknowledged the tension surrounding result day but expressed confidence in AAP's victory.