Kejriwal's gamble: High stakes in 2025 Delhi Assembly elections

Arvind Kejriwal faces intense battles, BJP's resurgence, and internal cracks in a decisive election

- SAYANTAN GHOSH

The 2025 Delhi Assembly election is shaping up to be a critical juncture for Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Having dominated Delhi politics for the past decade, Kejriwal now faces a do-or-die moment as he seeks to retain his hold on the capital amidst mounting challenges and fierce competition.

Kejriwal's journey from anti-corruption crusader to Chief Minister of Delhi has been nothing short of remarkable. His party's landslide victories in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, where AAP secured 67 and 62 seats respectively out of 70, cemented his position as a formidable political force. However, the political landscape has shifted significantly since then, and the 2025 election presents a new set of challenges.

One of the most significant factors is the BJP's renewed vigor and strategic focus on Delhi. The BJP, which has so far been unable to wrest control of Delhi from AAP, is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to unseat Kejriwal. The party has fielded Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, from the New Delhi constituency, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Additionally, the Congress has fielded Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, further intensifying the competition.

Kejriwal's tenure has not been without controversies. The recent nod by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Kejriwal in the Excise Policy case has cast a shadow over his campaign. Allegations of corruption and subsequent legal battles could erode public trust and provide ammunition to his political rivals.