In a disappointing turn of events for the Congress party, the results of the Delhi Assembly elections held on February 8 revealed that the party has failed to secure any seats for the third consecutive time.
The party’s only notable performance was in the Kasturba Nagar constituency, where it finished as the first runner-up. The elections primarily saw a contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, with the BJP emerging victorious in 48 out of 70 seats.
Historic Loss for Congress
The Congress party, which governed Delhi from 1998 to 2013, had aimed to reclaim its influence in the national capital.
However, the results have dashed those hopes, as the BJP has not only ended its 27-year drought in the region but has also made significant inroads into AAP’s previously unchallenged political dominance.
The AAP, which held power from 2015 to 2025, was seeking a third consecutive term but fell short against the BJP’s resurgence.
Criticism from Political Allies
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a partner in the INDIA bloc, criticized both Congress and AAP for their rivalry during the elections. In a video shared on social media, Abdullah highlighted the futility of their conflict, quoting a sage who remarked, “finish each other off by fighting amongst yourself.”
This sentiment underscores the perception that infighting among opposition parties has weakened their collective electoral strength.
Leadership Crisis
One of the critical factors contributing to Congress’s poor performance is the absence of a strong local leader. Since the tenure of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the party has struggled to find a figure who resonates with the electorate.
Many potential leaders have shifted their allegiance to either AAP or BJP, seeking better electoral prospects. Additionally, the party’s national leadership has also faced criticism, as Congress has seen a decline in its influence across various states following a strong showing in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Late Campaign Launch
Another significant issue for Congress was its late start to the election campaign. Traditionally, the party has initiated its campaigns just 15 to 20 days before voting, allowing rival parties to gain momentum and establish a stronger presence in the electoral landscape. This strategy has proven ineffective, as evidenced by the recent election results.
Voter Sentiment
The election results indicate a shift in voter sentiment, with many Delhi residents perceiving the BJP as a more viable alternative to Congress. By decisively voting out AAP after a decade in power, the electorate has handed the reins to the BJP, signaling a desire for change.
The Congress party’s previous defeat to AAP, which was marred by corruption allegations, has now been mirrored by AAP’s loss to the BJP amid similar accusations.
BRS Criticized Rahul Gandhi
KT Rama Rao, the Working President of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has publicly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the recent Delhi election results. Rao’s remarks underscore a growing discontent with Gandhi’s leadership, particularly in the context of the Congress party’s performance against the BJP.
Rao asserted that the Delhi elections have once again demonstrated Gandhi’s inability to effectively challenge the BJP, stating that his leadership has not only failed to secure victories but has also undermined regional parties.
He accused Gandhi of inadvertently aiding the BJP by weakening the opposition, suggesting that his presence in the political arena has had detrimental effects on regional alliances.
In a sarcastic tone, Rao congratulated Gandhi for contributing to yet another electoral win for the BJP, implying that Gandhi should take pride in this outcome.
The comments reflect a broader frustration among regional political leaders regarding the Congress party’s strategy and its impact on the fight against the BJP in key elections.
Congress’s Response
In response to the election outcome, Congress chief spokesperson Jairam Ramesh stated, “The 2025 Delhi Vidhan Sabha election results reflect nothing more than a referendum on Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party. This vote is a rejection of Arvind Kejriwal’s politics of deceit, deception, and vastly exaggerated claims of achievement.”
Ramesh expressed optimism for the future, asserting that the Congress party’s vote share had increased and that the party remains a significant presence in Delhi.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing results, Ramesh remains hopeful that Congress will reclaim power in Delhi by 2030. He emphasized the party’s vigorous campaign efforts and the dedication of its workers, asserting that the groundwork is being laid for a future Congress government in the capital.
“There will be a Congress government once again in Delhi in 2030,” he declared, signaling the party’s intent to rebuild and regain its foothold in the region.
As the political landscape in Delhi continues to evolve, the Congress party faces the challenge of addressing its leadership void, refining its campaign strategies, and reconnecting with the electorate to restore its former prominence in the national capital.
