One Year of BJP in Delhi:Sheila and Kejriwal Still Live in Public Memory!

In February 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party government completed one year in Delhi. Whatever interest Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the BJP leadership may have in governing the capital largely remains behind the scenes and is hardly visible to the common citizen. In fulfilling its electoral promises, the BJP has performed so poorly that few governments would dare take such a risk. People have almost forgotten what it is like to hear statements from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena regarding governance and administration. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta herself is not seen playing a leading role.

If one were to analyse the BJP’s first year in office, it would perhaps receive two out of ten marks in its favour and eight against it. Ironically, the most significant development in this one year has been the long-awaited judicial relief secured in February by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal—an achievement that benefits the Aam Aadmi Party. In other words, the government is BJP’s, but the achievement belongs to AAP. What a coincidence!

But this is not merely a coincidence. It is a signal. The implication of this signal is that the BJP has traditionally struggled to retain firm control over Delhi. If the current trajectory continues, the possibility of AAP’s return to power cannot be ruled out.

In fact, the same realities that were visible during AAP’s tenure are now visible under the BJP. During AAP’s rule, memories of the late three-time Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit often resurfaced. Sheila Dikshit continues to be remembered for her developmental work. Today, under BJP’s governance, many people recall former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on a daily basis. Women in Delhi, DTC commuters and contractual workers particularly remember him.

In many ways, Sheila Dikshit still lives on in Delhi. Her legacy is visible everywhere. Roads, flyovers, parks and the Metro repeatedly bring her developmental vision back into the mainstream narrative. Meanwhile, DTC services, Sarvodaya schools, night shelters, Mohalla Clinics and the now-symbolic Mohalla buses remind citizens of the AAP era.

Occasionally, when one notices cleanliness or sees old stadiums shining again, memories of the Ninth Asian Games during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure are also revived.

The most satisfactory aspect of the BJP’s first year has been law and order. However, the credit for this goes less to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and more to Home Minister Amit Shah, since the Delhi Police functions under the central government. The Delhi Police has performed well during international events. Yet, at the domestic level, the Delhi Traffic Police has earned considerable criticism. Law enforcement appears effective against certain organised criminals but remains ineffective against broader organised gangs. Three types of organised crime are reportedly on the rise: missing children cases, increasing encroachments around parks and public spaces, and persistent crimes against women. These trends are sufficient to expose the government’s shortcomings.

In areas such as Nanakpura in Moti Bagh and other neighbourhoods, the number of encroachments around parks continues to grow. Rising unemployment in the metropolis is contributing to an increase in petty crimes. Pickpocketing has suddenly become rampant in areas including Kotla Mubarakpur, Pandav Nagar near Mother Dairy, Khanpur, Nangloi, Uttam Nagar, Govindpuri, Khayala, Vikas Puri and Sagarpur. Women-led pickpocketing gangs are also reportedly active.

The condition of roads, lanes and footpaths across Delhi is extremely poor. In matters of sanitation, the city has fallen far behind. It may be best, for now, not to even speak of the Yamuna River. The Delhi Jal Board faces mounting complaints regarding meter readings and other irregularities. The waste disposal system is in a deplorable state. No one seems to know where DTC buses disappear to.

If there is one thing that appears steady, it is the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” and the projection of religious harmony. Preparations for Holi and Eid seem peaceful on the surface. However, if election promises—particularly the commitment to deposit the promised monthly financial assistance into the accounts of Delhi’s women—are not fulfilled soon, it must not be forgotten that when Delhi’s electorate decides to retaliate, it does not take long to make governments weep tears as sharp as onions!