In 2025, the BJP made a stunning comeback in Delhi, ending a 27-year hiatus of not holding power in the national capital. The results of the February 5 elections marked a dramatic shift, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was ousted from its position of power, securing only 22 seats. Meanwhile, Congress continued its disappointing performance, failing to win a single seat. The BJP emerged victorious with 48 of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, securing a significant win after nearly three decades of absence from power. This victory in the 2025 elections placed the saffron party in a strong position, paving the way for the appointment of the next Chief Minister, a decision that will be made by the central leadership of the party.
This election marked the end of a long political drought for the BJP, who, after being out of power for 27 years, managed to claim victory in a fiercely contested battle. The BJP’s win set the stage for the fourth leader of the party to take the helm as Delhi’s Chief Minister. The identity of this leader remains under wraps, with speculation growing about who will be chosen for this crucial role. Interestingly, the last BJP Chief Minister in Delhi held office almost 26 years ago, a period during which the city saw rapid changes in its leadership, with three different Chief Ministers serving between 1993 and 1998.
The BJP’s first Chief Minister of Delhi, Madan Lal Khurana, took office in 1993 after the 69th Amendment to the Constitution restored an elected assembly in the capital. Khurana’s tenure, however, was short-lived, lasting just over two years from December 1993 to February 1996. During the 1993 Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP secured 49 out of the 70 seats, while Congress won 14, Janata Dal secured 4, and three seats went to independent candidates. However, Khurana faced a significant political scandal in 1995 involving the infamous Hawala case, which led to his resignation under immense pressure in 1996. His resignation was followed by Sahib Singh Verma, who became the next Chief Minister.
Sahib Singh Verma’s tenure lasted from February 1996 to October 1998. His leadership was marked by internal party conflicts, particularly with his predecessor Khurana, who sought to reclaim the position after being cleared of the charges against him. Verma, however, faced criticism for his handling of key issues like rising onion prices and the ongoing water crisis in Delhi, which led to his resignation in 1998. In his place, Sushma Swaraj was appointed as the next BJP Chief Minister, making her the first woman to hold the position in Delhi. Her term, however, was brief, lasting only 52 days, from October to December 1998. Despite her efforts to tackle the onion supply crisis and other pressing issues, the BJP’s leadership could not prevent the party’s defeat in the ensuing assembly elections. Congress returned to power with Sheila Dikshit at the helm, serving as Chief Minister for the next 15 years, until her defeat by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in 2013.
In the 2013 Delhi elections, the AAP emerged as a strong contender, securing 28 seats, while Congress won 8 seats and BJP obtained 31 seats. This result led to the formation of a coalition government between AAP and Congress. However, the government did not last long and was replaced by President’s Rule. In the 2015 elections, AAP achieved a sweeping victory, winning 67 of the 70 seats and bringing Arvind Kejriwal back as Chief Minister. AAP maintained its stronghold in the 2020 elections, securing 62 seats and continuing Kejriwal’s leadership.
However, in 2025, the political landscape shifted once again. The BJP managed to break its 27-year-long drought in Delhi, capitalizing on issues like AAP’s alleged involvement in a liquor scam and other controversies surrounding their governance. What further shifted the tide in BJP’s favor was the electoral success of Parvesh Verma, the son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi assembly constituency by over 4,000 votes. This victory solidified BJP’s position in the capital and ended AAP’s long reign, marking a significant political milestone for the party in Delhi’s history.
