Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Exit Polls Predict BJP Revival Amidst Voter Apathy

Introduction

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections have come to a close, and exit polls indicate a sharp political change. For the first time in 27 years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to take back the reins of the national capital, bringing an end to the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) decade-long rule. Yet, one feature of this election is the continued low voter turnout, which could have impacted the exit poll predictions.

Exit Poll Predictions

Exit polls are coming in for a clear majority for the BJP in the 70-member Delhi Assembly, a win that will be a decisive comeback for the party that ruled Delhi since as long ago as 1998. Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP seems to be losing it this time with a second-term defeat. The other once-titular party in Delhi, Congress, seems to be at the sidelines as exit polls do not make many predictions for them.

Factors Contributing to BJP's Predicted Victory

Several factors would have worked against the success of the BJP at the polls

Anti-Incumbency : AAP is also ten years of rule old in Delhi, meaning voters might already be looking forward to change.

Leadership: The campaign put forward by Modi and his able leadership helped his party in doing well at polls.

Allegations against AAP: Public trust may have been eroded with recent graft charges against the leaders of AAP, including Arvind Kejriwal, who has been arrested over graft allegations.

Continued Low Voter Turnout

Despite the high stakes, voter turnout remained low, continuing a concerning trend in Delhi's electoral participation. Reports indicate that one in five constituencies had fewer registered voters compared to the 2020 elections. For instance, the Laxmi Nagar constituency saw a decrease of over 15,000 voters.

Reasons Behind Voter Apathy

Several factors contribute to Delhi's low voter turnout:

Urban Indifference: Many urban, upper-middle-class individuals view election day as a weekend, and if it falls on a weekend, vote from their short weekend getaways.

Election Planning: To address the vacation plan rather than an election, the Election Commission decided to hold the voting on a Wednesday. The strategy has yet to be proved effective.

Demographic Shifts: Certain constituencies, such as Delhi Cantonment and New Delhi, witnessed significant declines in voter registrations, possibly due to population mobility or administrative factors.

Implications of Low Turnout

Low voter turnout can significantly impact election results, often benefiting parties with a more mobilized base. In this election, the BJP's disciplined voter outreach may have provided an advantage in constituencies with diminished participation.

Conclusion

As the official election results are awaited, the exit polls suggest a historic shift in the political landscape of the city. The BJP's projected return to power is seen as an underlining of the change in the voter sentiment. Low voter turnout is another persistent issue that demands further efforts towards engaging the electorate. Whatever be the outcome, these elections remind us of the dynamic nature of democracy and the importance of citizen participation.

Stay tuned for more informations, check here What Threat Emerged for AAP, Which Factor Could Harm Kejriwal.