Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, who got defeated in the New Delhi constituency, conceded defeat to the BJP in the Delhi assembly elections. He also took the responsibility for the defeat of his party. Manish Sisodia, AAP's No.2 leader also got defeated from his Jangpura constituency, while the outgoing chief minister Atishi won the Kalkaji constituency.
Kejriwal congratulated the BJP for a sweeping victory in the polls. In a video message, Arvind Kejriwal said, "We accept the mandate of the people with great humility. I congratulate the BJP for this victory and I hope they will fulfil all the promises for which people have voted them.”
“We have done a lot of work in the field of health, education, and infrastructure in the last 10 years. We will not only play the role of a constructive Opposition but will also remain among the people and continue to serve them,” Arvind Kejriwal said.
The BJP is all set to win a comfortable majority in the election, with the party leading in 48 seats of the 70 seats. The AAP may clinch 22 seats, according to Election Commission's trends. Final results are awaited as the counting of votes continues.
The BJP's win in the Delhi assembly elections ended the AAP's 10-year-rule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party will now form government in the union territory after 27 years.
Outgoing Chief Minister Atishi got emotional as the AAP lost to the saffron wave that Prime Minister Narendra Modi created in the national capital. While AAP has lost to the BJP, Atishi has won on the Kalkaji seat where she defeated Ramesh Bidhuri and Alka Lamba.
With tears in her eyes, Atishi said AAP although she has won on the Kalkaji seat, it was not the time to celebrate, asserting that the party will continue the fight against the BJP.
“I thank the people of Kalkaji for showing trust in me. I congratulate my team who worked against 'baahubal'. We accept the people's mandate. I have won but it's not a time to celebrate but continue the 'war' against the BJP,” Atishi said, adding, “I thank party workers who braved BJP's hooliganism; will continue our struggle for people of Delhi, country.”
(By arrangement with livemint.com)