Delhi Elections: Five hours into the counting, the BJP is set for a comprehensive victory in the national capital. It is currently leading in 47 seats and the AAP’s score is 23.
Despite the BJP’s massive victory in the national capital and shock defeats of top Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, Chief Minister Atishi has retained her seat in south Delhi’s Kalkaji district. The 43-year-old leader, who won the seat in 2020, faced former BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba.
Ms Atishi, an Oxford University alumnus and Rhodes scholar, previously worked extensively on the AAP’s flagship initiative to improve education in Delhi’s schools before being appointed to the top position. Atishi became Chief Minister after AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned after being granted bail in a corruption case related to Delhi’s now-defunct liquor policy.
When Mr Kejriwal and his Number 2 Manish Sisodia were behind bars, Atishi articulated the party’s position at party events and media interaction. With AAP’s top leaders Mr Kejriwal and Mr Sisodia losing the poll fight today, Ms Atishi will likely play a key role in the Assembly.
Five hours into the counting, the BJP is poised for a comprehensive victory in the national capital. It currently leads in 47 seats, with the AAP scoring 23. The Congress has drawn a blank.
Previously, Ms Atishi expressed confidence that the AAP would win the Delgi election. She slammed exit poll predictions that predicted a BJP victory, claiming they were part of a conspiracy to demoralize AAP workers.
This was a difficult battle for Ms Atishi. While the BJP’s former MP Ramesh Bidhuri had gone all out to win, Congress’ Alka Lamba was expected to split opposition votes and harm AAP’s chances. As Chief Minister, Ms Atishi was also responsible for the AAP’s campaign in other constituencies. This left her with limited time to devote to Kalkaji. Despite the odds, she emerged victorious.
