BJP Makes Inroads into Lower and Middle-Class Voters in Delhi Assembly Elections, Raising Concerns for AAP and Congress. Exit polls suggest BJP received 46% and AAP 45% of votes from slum dwellers.
Delhi Vidhan Sabha Elections: Post-election political maneuvering has intensified following the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. This time, the BJP has increased its concerns for the opposition parties – AAP and Congress – by making inroads into the lower and middle-class voters, along with the Purvanchali and Muslim-Dalit alliances. Election analysis and exit poll data indicate significant gains for the BJP from these groups.
BJP Receives Support from Slum Dwellers and the Middle Class
Of Delhi's approximately 1.56 crore voters, 80 lakh belong to the lower and middle classes, playing a crucial role in determining election results. According to the Axis My India exit poll, 17% of Delhi's voters reside in slums. Of these, 46% voted for the BJP, while 45% voted for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This figure is significant for the BJP, as their support in slum areas typically remained limited to 20-25%.
BJP's Lead in Colonies and Flats as Well
According to the exit poll, 48% of the 68% of voters residing in colonies and flats voted for the BJP, while 42% supported AAP. The BJP saw gains in several Delhi areas, including North-East Delhi, East Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Burari, Badli, Sangam Vihar, Palam, Karawal Nagar, and Patparganj. These are areas previously dominated by the Congress and later by the AAP.
Slum Areas: A Shift from Congress to AAP and Now to BJP?
Delhi has over 660 slum colonies. Voters in these areas previously supported the Congress, but after the rise of the AAP in 2013, this vote bank shifted towards the AAP. Now, exit poll data suggests the BJP has strengthened its hold in these areas.
BJP's Improved Performance in Muslim-Majority Areas
In this election, the BJP performed better in Muslim-majority constituencies. According to the exit poll, the BJP received approximately 50% of the votes in Muslim-majority areas. This indicates that the BJP has increased its reach and influence in these areas. Additionally, Muslim voters appeared divided this time, which could be a positive sign for the BJP's strategy.
BJP's Lead in Delhi Elections: Exit Poll Data
According to Axis My India, the percentage of votes received by the BJP, AAP, and Congress based on voters' residence are as follows:
Category BJP (%) AAP (%) Congress (%) Others (%)
Slums 46% 45% 7% 2%
Colonies & Flats 48% 42% 7% 3%
Large Houses 52% 40% 4% 4%
Unauthorized Colonies 55% 37% 5% 3%
Increasing Support for BJP, a Warning for AAP-Congress
This BJP surge could prove alarming for the AAP and Congress. The BJP's inroads into the slum and Muslim-Dalit alliances could cause trouble for the opposition parties. While the Election Commission hasn't yet released official booth-wise voting data, exit poll trends clearly show the BJP altering the electoral equation by making inroads into several traditional vote banks.
(Note: This report is based on exit polls; the situation may change when the actual results are announced.)
