As the 2025 Assembly elections loom, the BJP has intensified its offensive against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, signaling a strategic push for a “double-engine” government in Delhi. The first extended executive meeting of the BJP’s Delhi unit witnessed sharp criticisms of rivals, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to secure electoral victory.
Key Issues Highlighted
The arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders in various cases, along with the AAP’s alliance with Congress for the Lok Sabha elections, dominated the discussions. BJP leaders highlighted the development projects undertaken by the Central government in the capital, framing them as achievements in contrast to the alleged failures of the AAP government.
Strong Statements from BJP Leaders
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, who chaired the meeting inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, criticized the coalition of AAP and Congress. He stated, “This election saw a coalition of two failed parties (AAP and Congress) that fought together for their selfish interests, and that is why their defeat matters. The people of Delhi have shown that they stand with the right, not with the corrupt. There is a government in Delhi that is only playing the game of bail from jail.”
Exhibition of Achievements
An exhibition showcasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade-long work and the struggles of Delhi’s workers over the past 18 months was also part of the meeting. Sachdeva claimed that the BJP’s victory in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi was a response to the alleged corruption of Kejriwal’s government, marking the third consecutive win in the city.
Future Strategies
Goyal emphasized the need for extensive efforts to overthrow the AAP government, calling for a quadrupling of the efforts made during the Lok Sabha polls. He attacked both Kejriwal and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, criticizing their political strategies and leadership. Goyal also pointed out the lack of implementation of Central schemes like Ayushman Bharat in Delhi, urging for a “double-engine” government to ensure continuous development.
Development Projects Highlighted
The political proposal presented by newly-elected MP Ramvir Bidhuri underscored the development work done by the Centre in Delhi, including the Bharat Mandapam, the new Parliament building, Kartavya Path, National War Memorial, and several road projects. The proposal was passed in the meeting, reinforcing the BJP’s commitment to infrastructural growth in the city.
AAP’s Response
In response to Goyal’s allegations, AAP issued a statement defending its healthcare policy and criticizing the BJP’s track record. The statement read, “Delhi already has a far superior policy for healthcare of its citizens. The Ayushman scheme does not even cover OPD patients… What has the double-engine model provided? Bridges are falling, papers are getting leaked, and crime, inflation, and unemployment are increasing… Nothing is going to happen by abusing the AAP day and night.”
As the battle for Delhi’s Assembly heats up, the BJP’s strategic meeting highlights their determined approach to challenge the AAP and Congress coalition, aiming for a decisive victory in the upcoming polls.