AAP-Congress rivalry led to Delhi debacle: Sena-UBT
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, winning 48 out of the 70 seats and effectively ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) rule in the national capital. The results marked a significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape, with AAP suffering a major setback after dominating the city’s politics for a decade.
The election campaign was intensely fought, with the BJP focusing on governance, nationalism, and allegations of corruption against AAP leaders. The saffron party’s strategy paid off as it managed to make deep inroads into AAP’s voter base, particularly in constituencies that were previously strongholds of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s party.
The Congress, which once ruled Delhi for 15 years under former CM Sheila Dikshit, failed to make a significant impact yet again, continuing its downward spiral in the state.
Shiv Sena (UBT), a key ally of the opposition INDIA bloc, reacted to the results by criticizing AAP and Congress, stating that their infighting contributed to their downfall. Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut remarked that the two parties “fought to destroy each other,” indirectly benefiting the BJP’s electoral prospects.
AAP-Congress Rift Paved Way for BJP’s Landslide Victory in Delhi, Says Shiv Sena (UBT)
The internal discord between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress significantly contributed to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) sweeping victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, according to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). The party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, published a scathing editorial, questioning the need for opposition alliances when their constituents continue to undermine each other instead of challenging the ruling BJP.
The editorial did not hold back in its criticism of the INDIA bloc partners, highlighting how their infighting benefited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party. If this continues, why even form alliances? Just fight to your heart’s content!” read the Saamana editorial.
BJP’s Resounding Victory in Delhi
The BJP secured a decisive mandate, winning 48 of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, marking a significant shift in the political dynamics of the national capital. The AAP, which had dominated Delhi’s political landscape for over a decade, suffered a major blow, failing to retain its strongholds. Meanwhile, the Congress, which once ruled Delhi for 15 years under former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, continued its decline, failing to make any substantial electoral gains.
The election results showcased a clear shift in voter preference, as the BJP managed to attract support from traditional AAP and Congress voters. The saffron party’s campaign, centered on governance, nationalism, and allegations of corruption against AAP leaders, resonated with the electorate, leading to its massive victory.
INDIA Bloc’s Internal Struggles and Electoral Setback
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties formed to counter the BJP in national and state elections, faced significant challenges in Delhi due to internal rifts between its key partners—AAP and Congress. Despite being part of the same alliance at the national level, the two parties were unable to cooperate effectively in the state elections.
AAP and Congress fielded candidates against each other in multiple constituencies, leading to a division of anti-BJP votes. This disunity ultimately gave the BJP a clear advantage, as opposition voters were left divided between the two rival parties.
The editorial in Saamana underscored this issue, pointing out that opposition unity remains fragile due to internal power struggles. If the INDIA bloc partners cannot work together, they will continue to lose elections,” the article stated.
Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Criticism of AAP and Congress
Shiv Sena (UBT), which is also part of the INDIA bloc, did not mince words when criticizing AAP and Congress for their inability to set aside their differences. The party expressed frustration over the lack of a coherent opposition strategy, calling the situation self-destructive.
The Saamana editorial questioned the logic of forming alliances if the partners were going to engage in mutual rivalry rather than focusing on defeating the BJP. “The opposition needs to decide—do they want to fight the BJP, or do they want to fight each other?” it asked.
This criticism highlights a growing concern within the INDIA bloc regarding the lack of coordination among its members. While the alliance was formed with the goal of challenging the BJP at a national level, internal disputes among its partners have repeatedly weakened its effectiveness.
What Went Wrong for AAP and Congress?
Several factors contributed to the poor performance of both AAP and Congress in the Delhi elections:
- Lack of a Unified Strategy: Despite being part of the same alliance at the national level, AAP and Congress failed to coordinate their campaigns in Delhi. Instead of working together to consolidate opposition votes, they contested against each other in several seats.
- Voter Confusion and Division: With both parties fielding candidates in multiple constituencies, opposition voters were left divided, leading to a split in the anti-BJP vote bank. This directly benefited the BJP, allowing it to win seats that could have otherwise gone to the opposition.
- BJP’s Strong Campaign: The BJP capitalized on the internal divisions within the INDIA bloc, presenting itself as the only viable alternative. Its campaign focused on governance, national security, and allegations of corruption against AAP, successfully swaying public opinion in its favor.
- AAP’s Loss of Public Trust: The AAP government, once popular for its focus on education, healthcare, and electricity subsidies, faced significant criticism in the run-up to the elections. Corruption allegations, governance issues, and internal conflicts within the party eroded public trust, making it difficult for AAP to retain its voter base.
- Congress’ Continued Decline: The Congress has struggled to regain its footing in Delhi since its defeat in 2013. The party’s inability to present a strong leadership alternative and its failure to connect with younger voters further weakened its position.
What Lies Ahead for the INDIA Bloc?
The Delhi elections serve as a crucial lesson for the INDIA bloc ahead of the 2026 national elections. If the alliance hopes to present a serious challenge to the BJP, its members must find a way to work together rather than against each other.
The results have raised serious questions about the future of the opposition alliance. While leaders like Uddhav Thackeray and Mamata Banerjee have been vocal about the need for a united front, incidents like the AAP-Congress clash in Delhi indicate that unity remains elusive.
The editorial in Saamana warns that unless the opposition can resolve its internal disputes, the BJP will continue to benefit from their disunity. They require real coordination, discipline, and a common goal. If opposition parties fail to understand this, they should prepare for more defeats,” it concluded.
Conclusion
The Delhi elections of 2025 have reinforced a crucial political reality: a fragmented opposition cannot effectively challenge a well-organized ruling party. The BJP’s victory was not just a result of its campaign strategy but also a consequence of the self-inflicted wounds of the opposition.
As the INDIA bloc moves forward, its leaders must decide whether they are serious about defeating the BJP or if they will continue to let internal rivalries dictate their political fortunes. Without a clear and coordinated strategy, the road to 2026 looks increasingly difficult for the opposition.