As day advanced, mood swings gripped AAP and BJP’s headquarters
New Delhi: As the results of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections were declared, contrasting scenes unfolded at the two main party headquarters. While BJP supporters were seen celebrating enthusiastically outside their office, the mood at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) headquarters remained subdued.
In the early hours of vote counting, AAP’s Delhi spokesperson, Jasmine Shah, had expressed optimism for the party’s prospects. With confidence, he told the press, “We believe the AAP is going to form the government with a huge majority. This was not a normal election. On one side, it was AAP, whereas on the other, it was the entire system… This was an election between two models, the AAP model and the BJP model.” However, as the results began to unfold, the AAP office on Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Marg, which had been prepared for celebrations with tents, a stage, and media arrangements, grew increasingly quiet as the party’s prospects faded.
The initial excitement quickly turned to concern as AAP’s early leads were overtaken by the BJP. Despite brief moments of joy when Arvind Kejriwal led in his constituency, the mood shifted dramatically as BJP’s momentum grew. By late morning, when it was clear that the BJP was on course to win, the atmosphere at the AAP office grew even more somber.
Once the final results were evident, marking a crushing loss for the party, volunteers began leaving the AAP office, many with expressions of disappointment. Long-time party members reflected on the difficult road ahead for the party. Amarjeet Nanda, who had been with AAP since its inception, said, “I have been with the party for 12 years. This election loss should prompt us to reconsider our choices. The party needs to reassess its leadership and restructure to regain public trust.” His words pointed to the need for a thorough introspection as the party grapples with its defeat.
Rakesh Yadav, another AAP supporter, voiced frustration with the electoral process, accusing the BJP of corrupt tactics. “BJP is a corrupt party. Even a night before the elections, BJP members were seen distributing beer, money to people. AAP has been working for the betterment of people for the last ten years without any rest. And we are sure that we will come back,” Yadav remarked. While his tone was defiant, it also highlighted the recognition within AAP that they need to learn from this loss and find new ways to connect with voters.
Despite the party’s overall defeat, there were bright spots in the election results for AAP. One resident from Kalkaji expressed delight in Atishi’s victory, noting how AAP had improved the area’s infrastructure. “AAP has done so much for people like us. Kalkaji’s roads have been pothole-free in many areas. We get water, free electricity. I am very happy from Atishi’s win but at the same time, it’s sad to see that the main leaders have lost their seat,” the resident shared. “Now, Delhi people will understand how easy our life was with AAP in power and how BJP will make it like a hell by spreading hatred.”
Outside the AAP office, celebrations continued at the BJP headquarters. Supporters danced, burst firecrackers, and waved flags in a show of jubilance. A BJP supporter commented, “People are very smart. They did not want the corrupt to rule the capital, so they went for the right.”
