Why Did AAP Lose in Delhi? YouTuber Dhruv Rathee Breaks Down the Reasons and Targets BJP
The 2025 Delhi Assembly election results sent shockwaves through the political landscape. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had been the dominant force in the city for nearly a decade, suffered a crushing defeat. Arvind Kejriwal, the party’s leader, could not hold onto his seat, marking a significant turning point in Delhi’s political narrative. Meanwhile, BJP made a spectacular comeback, securing a decisive victory and returning to power after 27 years. In the aftermath, prominent YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee weighed in on the reasons behind AAP’s loss. In a social media post, Rathee pinpointed several crucial factors contributing to the party’s downfall while also turning the spotlight on the BJP.
The Rise of BJP and the Fall of AAP
The 2025 elections represented a major setback for the AAP. The party, which had once been celebrated for its governance in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, found itself grappling with unprecedented challenges. Despite securing victories in the previous years, the tables turned dramatically in 2025. BJP, under its renewed leadership and aggressive campaigning, captured the hearts and minds of Delhi’s electorate.
AAP lost because no work was being done in Delhi since last few years
And that is because BJP did everything possible to stall the whole functioning of the government. From using LG to halt orders, to their agencies jailing leaders under fake cases to passing new laws. Ever…
— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) February 8, 2025
This remarkable transformation was not only due to BJP’s political strategies but also due to the internal issues plaguing AAP. Arvind Kejriwal, despite being the face of AAP, couldn’t deliver on several promises, and his leadership was questioned. Manish Sisodia, another top AAP leader, also failed to maintain his constituency, and both leaders’ inability to protect their seats was seen as a major blow to the party’s image.
Dhruv Rathee’s Analysis: Why AAP Lost
Dhruv Rathee, known for his sharp political analysis, took to his social media platforms to highlight the reasons behind AAP’s crushing defeat. Rathee’s perspective offered a mix of political commentary, criticisms of the ruling government, and a reflection on the party’s internal challenges.
1. Lack of Progress and Government Stagnation
According to Rathee, one of the primary reasons for AAP’s loss was the lack of visible progress in Delhi over the past few years. Despite the initial successes in improving healthcare and education, Delhi residents began to feel disillusioned. Rathee pointed out that there had been little to no development in terms of infrastructure, sanitation, and pollution control. The Yamuna river continued to be polluted, and the city’s air quality remained poor, contributing to a growing sense of frustration among the voters.
Moreover, Rathee criticized the BJP for using its influence to halt AAP’s key projects. The BJP, which had a firm grip on Delhi’s political machinery, leveraged various tactics to impede the party’s progress. For instance, BJP-controlled agencies were accused of stalling essential development projects. According to Rathee, these actions created a situation where the AAP government appeared helpless in addressing Delhi’s pressing issues.
2. BJP’s Role in Paralyzing AAP’s Governance
Another critical factor Rathee highlighted was the role of the BJP in blocking AAP’s governance initiatives. The YouTuber noted that BJP’s interference in the functioning of the Delhi government had reached unprecedented levels. By leveraging the powers of the Lieutenant Governor (LG), the central government often blocked key decisions and initiatives proposed by AAP. This led to a sense of inefficiency and gridlock in the administration.
Rathee’s post emphasized how the BJP had effectively weaponized institutions against AAP. The use of investigative agencies like the CBI and ED against AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia, was seen as an effort to derail the party’s momentum. These moves contributed to a toxic political environment that overshadowed AAP’s achievements and gave the BJP an upper hand in the elections.
3. The Role of 2023 GNCTD Act: BJP’s Indirect Rule
The 2023 GNCTD Act proved to be a turning point in the dynamics of Delhi’s politics. This Act, which gave more power to the central government over Delhi’s administration, was seen as an indirect way for the BJP to exert control over the city. Rathee discussed how the passage of this Act led to indirect BJP rule over Delhi, diminishing AAP’s autonomy and making it harder for the party to implement its policies effectively.
With the implementation of this law, the BJP solidified its hold on the governance of Delhi, making it clear that the city’s political future would be largely shaped by central government priorities. Rathee posed the crucial question: Will Delhi’s residents continue to focus on issues like air pollution, sanitation, and infrastructure, or will they be swayed by religious narratives and divisive politics pushed by the BJP? This was an open question that became central to the post-election discourse.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Response to AAP’s Loss
In the wake of AAP’s defeat, Arvind Kejriwal responded with humility, acknowledging the will of the people. In a statement, Kejriwal congratulated BJP for its victory and expressed hopes that the party would live up to the expectations placed on them by voters. He added, “We accept the public’s decision with humility and will continue to serve the people of Delhi.” Despite the loss, Kejriwal promised that AAP would maintain its role as a constructive opposition, continuing to focus on areas such as education and healthcare.
Kejriwal’s statement was an attempt to reassure Delhi residents that his party, despite the defeat, would continue its service-oriented approach. He also thanked AAP workers for their hard work throughout the campaign and acknowledged their commitment to the party’s values.
Challenges Ahead for BJP: Can They Deliver?
With BJP now back in power after 27 years, questions remain about how they will manage the city’s myriad challenges. The BJP’s return to power was not without its critics, and the party will need to address several critical issues to maintain its newfound popularity. Pollution, water scarcity, and urban infrastructure are some of the key concerns that the BJP will need to tackle to fulfill the promises made to the electorate.
Moreover, BJP’s focus on religious narratives and divisive politics has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. The challenge for BJP will be to balance governance with the divisive rhetoric that has worked in their favor during the election. The question remains whether the BJP can shift gears from a polarizing agenda to one that tackles the real issues facing Delhi.
What’s Next for Delhi’s Political Landscape?
The defeat of AAP marks a major shift in Delhi’s political landscape. With BJP now in power, the city faces a new chapter of governance, and the people of Delhi will be watching closely to see how the party addresses the issues that matter most to them. As Dhruv Rathee pointed out, the coming years will determine whether BJP’s promises of better governance are translated into tangible outcomes or if they will resort to the same tactics that led to AAP’s downfall.
Voters will continue to hold their leaders accountable, and Delhi’s future will be shaped by the party that can effectively tackle the city’s most pressing issues while maintaining a commitment to good governance and inclusive development.
