Opposition sets focus on pollution, corruption in bid to unseat AAP in 2025

With Delhi’s Assembly elections just months away, pollution, corruption, water shortages and poor infrastructure are emerging as key issues for the opposition parties — BJP and Congress — as they prepare to challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the February 2025 poll.

Both the BJP and Congress have been vocal in their criticism of AAP’s handling of the city’s pollution crisis, particularly focusing on deteriorating air quality and the toxic froth seen in the Yamuna. With AAP having been in power in Delhi since 2015, the opposition parties are eager to use these pressing issues to rally support and turn the tide in their favour.

Congress banks on ‘Delhi Nyay Yatra’, BJP on Modi factor

• The Congress, which has struggled to regain its influence in the city after failing to secure any seats in the last two elections, is aiming to reconnect with voters by taking aim at the current government’s governance record.
• The BJP, which has been out of power in the Capital for over 26 years, sees an opportunity to challenge AAP’s dominance by capitalising on dissatisfaction over pollution and other civic issues
• The BJP plans to leverage the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose image remains a strong asset for the party, while focusing on the deterioration of Delhi’s environment under AAP’s rule
• The Congress is set to launch an aggressive campaign called the ‘Delhi Nyay Yatra’ on November 8

The Congress, which has struggled to regain its influence in the city after failing to secure any seats in the last two elections, is aiming to reconnect with voters by taking aim at the current government’s governance record. Meanwhile, the BJP, which has been out of power in the Capital for over 26 years, sees an opportunity to challenge AAP’s dominance by capitalising on dissatisfaction over pollution and other civic issues.

On Tuesday, the BJP’s central leadership met its Delhi unit to review preparations for the elections and finalise campaign strategies. A party source revealed that pollution would be one of the central issues the BJP will highlight, particularly in the winter months when Delhi’s air quality typically worsens.

The BJP plans to leverage the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose image remains a strong asset for the party, while focusing on the deterioration of Delhi’s environment under AAP’s rule.

The Congress, under the leadership of Delhi unit chief Devender Yadav, is set to launch an aggressive campaign called the ‘Delhi Nyay Yatra’ on November 8. Modelled after Rahul Gandhi’s successful ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the campaign is aimed at reconnecting with the people of Delhi and addressing their grievances.

The yatra will begin from Rajghat, with Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi expected to participate in the first phase. “The Bharat Jodo Yatra proved to be a game-changer for Rahul, and we hope the same will happen in Delhi,” said a party leader. The Congress also intends to engage with the public through a consultation process for its election manifesto, inviting suggestions from Delhiites to ensure it reflects their concerns and aspirations.

Pollution is also a key issue for the Congress, which has been reminding voters of the tenure of former CM Sheila Dikshit, during which Delhi witnessed significant improvements in public transportation, the Metro system and pollution control. Congress leaders argue that under AAP’s governance, the city has seen a decline in infrastructure development, rampant corruption and unfulfilled promises.

“During Dikshit’s 15-year rule, Delhi saw major strides in infrastructure and pollution control. Under the AAP, promises have been broken, and corruption has damaged the city’s progress,” said a senior Congress leader.

The AAP, which secured a resounding victory in the last two elections, will face its toughest challenge this time. In 2015, the AAP won 67 out of 70 seats, and in 2020, it secured 62 seats. In contrast, the BJP won only three seats in 2015 and eight in 2020, while the Congress failed to secure a single seat in either election. Despite these setbacks, both BJP and Congress are determined to make inroads into AAP’s stronghold.