Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: How BJP Seeks to End AAP’s Dominance Using Local Issues and Women-Centric Policies

As the Delhi Assembly elections 2025 draw closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has brought out a fresh strategy to topple the ten-year reign of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are taking the initiative as they divert the party’s focus to issues in the city and launch women-oriented schemes for a greater outreach among the people of Delhi.

PM Modi Pushes for Development and Berates AAP

At a rally in Rohini, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently criticized AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, raking up issues with the liquor policy, health and education in Delhi. Calling AAP an “āpda” – disaster, he blamed the party for the derailment of the development of Delhi over the last ten years.

To drive home the message of progress, PM Modi inaugurated a series of infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,000 crore. The list included the 13 km Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) stretch between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar, the 2.8 km Phase-IV extension of the Delhi Metro connecting Janakpuri to Krishna Park, and the foundation stones for the 26.5 km Rithala-Kundli metro line and a state-of-the-art Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Rohini.

RSS’s Grass-Roots Campaign

The RSS has stepped up its engagement, with plans to host more than 50,000 public meetings across Delhi for boosting the BJPs prospects. Unlike other political campaigns, issues of national and environmental importance will take center stage in these meetings to create a feeling of unity and purpose among voters.

This joint effort between Delhi BJP and RSS is an efficient approach towards infiltration of AAP bastions, wherein grassroots connectivity would be focused on. Cadres have been brought out for tackling civic issues such as sewer management, waterlogging, and pathetic public transport conditions, all issues that the city residents are subjected to.

Women-Oriented Programs for Winning the Support of Female Electorates

Inspired by the successful schemes in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the BJP will launch a women-centric scheme wherein Rs 2,500 would be given every month to the women of Delhi. This one will surpass the AAP’s scheme Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana by Rs 1,000 for Rs 1,000 given per month to women. The festival bonus of Rs 1,000 during Chhath Puja and Karwa Chauth to woo culturally dominant sentiments is under consideration.

These measures intend to replicate the BJP’s success in consolidating women voters in other states and might play a decisive role in the future elections.

Acknowledging the popularity of AAP’s social welfare programs, the BJP has assured voters that it will continue key initiatives like free electricity, water, and bus rides for women if elected. PM Modi has dismissed allegations that the BJP intends to discontinue these schemes, accusing AAP of spreading misinformation to mislead voters.

Strategic Candidate Selection

The BJP has some prominent names, such as former MPs Parvesh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri, in its list of candidates. Verma, a prominent Jat leader, has been given the New Delhi seat against Arvind Kejriwal, indicating the party’s attempt to win Jat-dominated areas in Delhi and the border districts. Senior leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have even hinted at his potential as a Chief Ministerial candidate.

For all the pro-Hindu oration of Ramesh Bidhuri, who belongs to the community, the candidate here is strong because he’s going to fight for the seat against CM Atishi from the Kalkaji constituency. Gurjar leader in Bijwasan AAP defector Kailash Gahlot: The fact that the party fielded him there highlights the use that the party might make of the insider’s information about the strategies of the AAP.

Amid debates surrounding BR Ambedkar’s legacy, the BJP is considering appointing a senior leader from the backward community to head its Delhi unit. This move is expected to address grievances and bolster the party’s appeal among marginalized groups.

The Road Ahead

The BJP’s blend of hyper-local focus, women-centric policies, and strategic community engagement marks a departure from its traditional reliance on national issues and Hindutva. With the RSS’s extensive groundwork and PM Modi’s direct involvement, the party is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to end the 27-year drought in Delhi’s political landscape.

This would prove crucial for the BJP to take this contest closer, considering that the election battle will see a sharp intensity with Delhi voters questioning the government’s performance over everyday issues in AAP’s tenure.