BJP wins Delhi polls, Tax bonanza for middle class in Union Budget, RBI cuts repo rate, and more: The week in 5 charts
The Hindu
Here are five graphics that will help you understand some of the key stories from last week
The BJP on Saturday (February 8, 2025) returned to power in Delhi after more than 26 years to sweep away the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party with a two-thirds majority on the back of a hyper localised campaign.
Also read: Delhi govt formation LIVE
Adding to the ignominy of the AAP that was battling 10 years of anti-incumbency was the shocking defeat of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal himself and other top leaders including his close aide and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti and Saurabh Bhardwaj. Chief Minister Atishi, an academic and unlikely politician, weathered the storm to retain Kalkaji seat.
The BJP won 48 of the 70 seats at stake and the AAP was way behind with 22, according to the Election Commission. The elections were largely seen as a bipolar contest between the AAP, which made a determined bid for a fourth term, and the BJP. While the AAP had 62 members in the outgoing house, the saffron party had just eight legislators.
The Congress, which had ruled for 15 consecutive years under Sheila Dikshit from 1998, came a cropper in the Assembly elections failing to get even a single seat for the third straight time. Its candidates suffered crushing defeats with a majority of them even losing their deposits.
The BJP’s vote share in Delhi has grown by nearly 13% points in the last 10 years while the AAP’s vote share has declined by nearly 10% points during the same period. There was a difference of only two per cent between the vote shares of the BJP and AAP. The Congress secured a vote share of 6.34%.
The AAP came to power in Delhi for the first time in 2013 on the back of the promise to sweep away corruption. But its minority government propped up by Congress lasted only 49 days after Kejriwal resigned following which Delhi came under a spell of President’s rule.
Delhi High Court discusses guidelines for service animals by persons with disabilities in India, involving stakeholders for consultation.
DMK seeks CBI probe into Pondicherry University's mismanagement, criticizes Centre's interference in education sector.
Srinivas University's 7th convocation saw 2,233 students graduate, with inspiring speeches and awards highlighting the ceremony.
Dalai Lama and BJP leader Sambit Patra receive Z-category security cover from CRPF in India.
Senior scientist emphasizes water conservation and sustainable resource management for future generations at international conference on environmental sustainability.
Chairperson G. Pallavi visits nomadic communities in Kodagu, urging them to benefit from government schemes for economic stability.
Minister C.V. Ganesan inaugurates phase III of Makkaludan Mudhalvar scheme in Krishnagiri
Yuvraj ahead of Jamal by a stroke
Arrest of Vamsi illegal, says YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana. The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has been resorting to vendetta politics since coming to power, and has failed to implement its electoral promises, he says.
UDF hartal in Wayanad over wild animal attacks disrupts daily life, affecting businesses, transportation, and educational institutions.
Kalaburagi CPI(M) demands Karnataka government enforce Micro Loan Ordinance, curb microfinance harassment, and support self-help groups.
CITU representatives seek action against contract worker employment at Samsung and S.H. Electronics India factories in Sriperumbudur.
Kalyana Karnataka Literary Festival at Gulbarga University features seminars, renowned writers, and interactive sessions on literature.