Sheesh Mahal row, liquor policy case and more: 5 factors that led to AAP's downfall in capital

In 2020, the Aam Aadmi Party scored a stunning successive win in Delhi as it secured win on 62 seats. The BJP, while improving its tally, remained in single digit show with just eight constituencies in its kitty. Fast forward to 2025 and the BJP has routed the AAP out of power with a bumper win. As the results trickle in, the BJP is looking for a major comeback to power in Delhi after a gap of 27 years. While AAP’s national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that the party will play the role of a ‘constructive opposition,’ there are several factors that led to disastrous loss. Here’s what hurt the Aam Aadmi Party in this election:

Liquor Policy Scam: One of the biggest reasons that delivered a sucker punch to AAP was the liquor policy scam. From Manish Sisodia to Arvind Kejriwal, the probe into the alleged scam led to arrests of top leadership. Corruption allegations around the now-scrapped policy dented the image of the party that was born out of the anti-graft movement. While AAP denied all charges, the BJP claimed that the national capital was being turned into a drunkard’s heaven by the new policy that introduced 'Buy 1 Get 1 free' offers on liquor bottles. Within a year, the policy was scrapped. Investigation by central agencies led to the arrest of Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal. Sisodia had to step down and Kejriwal rejigged the Cabinet. Later, Kejriwal was arrested and remained in jail for five months. By April 2024, the entire top leadership of AAP was in prison. Senior party officials feel that AAP was not able to devise a spirited pro-government campaign due to the leadership vacuum.

Policy Paralysis: Constant showdown with the Lieutenant Governor led to a conflicted tenure for the AAP government. While the Kejriwal-led government kept saying that the Centre via LG’s office was creating roadblocks, voters felt that these were just excuses. Sample this – Rs 4,000 crore were never released to Delhi Jal Board due to this persistent squabbling between the Kejriwal government and LG office.

Infrastructure Woes: Overflowing sewers, crumbling roads and worsening pollution frustrated the voters of Delhi. In fact, last year in November, the Delhi High Court had berated the Delhi government for failing to upgrade the city’s infrastructure. A bench led by chief justice Manmohan had said that doling out freebies was the main priority of the Delhi government. The Kejriwal government was reprimanded for not releasing funds for repair of a flyover.