Opinion | BJP’s Victory in Delhi: Lessons for J&K and the Road Ahead

The recent electoral triumph of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi marks a watershed moment in India’s political landscape. After 27 years, the party has managed to reclaim power in the capital dismantling the decade-long rule of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). One of the key reasons for BJP’s victory in Delhi was its ability to connect with middle-class voters who felt alienated by the incumbent government. These results prove that in modern electoral politics, mere rhetoric is no longer enough to secure public trust—voters demand results. The BJP’s victory in Delhi is a striking example of how governance determines electoral outcomes. While opposition parties often rely on grievance politics, emotional appeals or identity-based mobilization, they fail when they cannot translate these narratives into real development. The electorate today is more discerning, they assess leadership based on economic growth, infrastructure development, security and social welfare. This shift is evident in Delhi where the BJP’s success was driven not just by promises but by its governance track record in other states. People saw tangible improvements in roads, law enforcement, healthcare and investment climates under BJP-led administrations and wanted the same for Delhi. In contrast, AAP’s reliance on welfare politics crumbled under the weight of corruption, scandals and administrative inefficiencies. The Delhi elections prove that voters prioritize tangible governance outcomes over ideological rhetoric, a lesson that J&K’s regional parties must heed if they hope to remain politically relevant. In Delhi voters gravitated towards a party that projected a vision of long-term stability, efficient governance and economic resurgence. The message was clear: people are willing to place their trust in a leadership that delivers on promises rather than one that merely raises grievances. This fundamental shift in voter behavior is a lesson for political actors across the country including those in J&K.
As J&K remains a Union Territory, much like Delhi, it is imperative for its people and political stakeholders to analyze this victory and draw critical lessons from it. More importantly the people of J&K must consider why faith in the BJP under PM Modi’s leadership is not just a political choice but a strategic necessity for the region’s long-term development and stability. For decades, J&K’s political landscape has been dominated by narratives of victimhood, marginalization and special status. While historical grievances cannot be ignored, dwelling on them without a forward-looking strategy does little to improve the lives of ordinary people of J&K. BJP’s victory in Delhi showcases the electorate’s growing preference for leadership that provides solutions rather than harping on past injustices. Regional parties in J&K, such as the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have long thrived on a politics of resistance against the central government. However, as seen in Delhi, the failure to evolve beyond adversarial politics can lead to electoral decline. AAP, once hailed as a revolutionary force in Indian politics suffered a humiliating defeat because it failed to transition from an opposition-oriented mindset to a governance-oriented approach. Similarly, if J&K’s regional parties continue to resist every initiative of the BJP-led central government without offering constructive alternatives they risk political irrelevance in the years to come.
The people of J&K have every reason to place their trust in the leadership of the BJP, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His governance model—anchored in efficiency and economic growth—provides the foundation for J&K’s long-term development. Since 2019, the region has witnessed significant progress in economic integration, private sector investment and grassroots democratic reforms. Tangible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare and education have reinforced the government’s commitment to J&K’s transformation. One of the most visible markers of this progress is the rapid enhancement of road and rail connectivity. The long-overdue upgrades to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway have significantly improved accessibility, reducing travel time and boosting economic activity. Equally historic is the completion of railway connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, a long-awaited project that has finally materialized under the present administration. Although these initiatives were initially conceived by previous governments, their implementation remained slow and inconsistent. Under the BJP-led administration in J&K, operating through its Lieutenant Governor, these critical projects received a renewed push, ensuring their timely completion.
While critics may argue that BJP’s approach in J&K has been heavy-handed, the undeniable reality is that the region has witnessed a sharp decline in terrorism-related incidents, increased investor confidence and improved socio-economic indicators. These achievements should inspire confidence among the people of J&K, who have long yearned for peace and prosperity. The coming years will determine whether J&K embraces this transformative vision or remains anchored to outdated political dynamics. The BJP’s model provides a roadmap for sustainable development—one that prioritizes governance over grievances, stability over chaos and opportunity over conflict. The people of J&K must decide whether they want to walk this path toward progress or continue to be held back by a past that no longer serves them. The Delhi elections have set a precedent for governance-focused politics, one that J&K’s electorate and political class must take seriously. Rather than resisting change, the people of J&K should embrace the opportunities that come with stable governance. J&K can no longer afford to be trapped in a cycle of political stagnation where developmental aspirations are sacrificed at the altar of identity politics. Instead of fearing BJP’s rise, the people of J&K should evaluate the tangible changes that have taken place under Modi’s leadership. Increased investment, enhanced security, better infrastructure and a focus on youth empowerment are critical steps that can pave the way for a prosperous J&K. Unlike previous regimes that thrived on keeping J&K politically unstable, BJP’s agenda is clear: to integrate J&K into India’s developmental mainstream while ensuring that its unique cultural identity is preserved. The only question that remains is whether the people of the region will seize this moment to move beyond the past and towards a future of growth, security and prosperity. The choice is clear: progress under a strong and stable government or continued stagnation under outdated political narratives. The people of J&K must decide which path they want to take.
Mohmmad Tabish is a Cheveling scholar, writer and Author.

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