The recently announced Union Budget played a pivotal role in helping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strengthen its support among middle and lower-middle-class voters during the Delhi elections. Historically, this segment of voters has been instrumental in securing electoral victories for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the national capital.
In the past, Delhi’s middle class—constituting approximately 70% of the city’s population—has often been overlooked by political parties. However, the Budget provided direct financial benefits to this demographic, which significantly boosted BJP’s appeal.
The controversy surrounding the luxurious renovation of the Delhi Chief Minister’s bungalow, dubbed the “sheeshmahal,” negatively impacted AAP’s public image. Recognizing the opportunity, the BJP strategically highlighted the issue in its campaign, which struck a chord with voters.
According to BJP leaders, this controversy undermined public confidence in former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and contributed to a shift in voter sentiment. Party reports indicated a notable increase of 20-30% in BJP’s vote share, much of which came at AAP’s expense.
The BJP’s outreach efforts also played a significant role in its improved performance. The party launched a 28-week-long “Jhuggi Prawas Programme,” during which senior BJP leaders stayed overnight in slum areas to connect with residents.
Over the past eight months, approximately 20,000 members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held meetings in these settlements to mobilize voters. These efforts helped the BJP regain support from Purvanchali voters, a key demographic in Delhi elections.
During its campaign, the BJP prioritized civic concerns, such as damaged roads, poor sanitation, sewage blockages, and waterlogging during the monsoon. Party leaders emphasized that their campaign did not rely on religious polarization, as voters were more concerned about infrastructure and employment opportunities.
The Congress party indirectly influenced the election outcome by dividing votes in 14 key constituencies, which negatively impacted AAP’s prospects. These constituencies included Timarpur, Badli, Nangloi Jat, Madipur, Rajender Nagar, New Delhi, Jangpura, Kasturba Nagar, Malviya Nagar, Mehrauli, Chhatarpur, and Sangam Vihar.
Through a combination of strategic messaging, targeted outreach, and a focus on civic issues, the BJP managed to capitalize on AAP’s vulnerabilities and expand its voter base in the Delhi elections.