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Delhi votes today: AAP faces crucial test as BJP eyes capital victory

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2 years ago

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The stage is set for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, a crucial event that will determine the future of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has ruled the capital for the past two terms. With corruption allegations and political turmoil clouding their tenure, the Delhi elections have become more than just a contest for power—it’s a battle for the political survival of AAP.

1. AAP’s 10-year journey in Delhi politics

For the AAP, a loss in this election would mark a major setback for the party, which has established itself as a formidable political force over the past decade. Winning this election, however, would solidify the party’s position as a serious contender against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the national stage, showing resilience amid accusations and challenges.

2. The BJP’s campaign strategy

The BJP, which has been the opposition in Delhi for over a decade, is putting its faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s powerful election rallies and its extensive party machinery to secure a win. The party is hoping to capitalize on the widespread anti-incumbency sentiment and the corruption charges against the AAP government.

3. The Congress’ Push for a comeback

Meanwhile, the Congress, which has been a marginalized force in Delhi since AAP’s rise, is hoping for a resurgence. After years in the political wilderness, the party is looking to regain lost ground, though experts view their chances as slim compared to the fierce competition between AAP and BJP.

4. AAP’s troubles with corruption allegations

AAP’s tenure has been marred by serious allegations of corruption, especially in relation to the now-scrapped liquor policy. Several prominent leaders, including Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have faced arrest, spending months in jail. Kejriwal, who had to step down as the Chief Minister for a while, has made it clear he won’t return to the post without a “certificate of honesty” from the people.

5. Tensions with the Lieutenant Governor

The AAP government has also been embroiled in repeated confrontations with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, particularly concerning the control over bureaucrats and governance matters. These tensions intensified after the Union government issued an ordinance, giving more power to the LG over the Delhi administration. The controversy has exacerbated AAP’s challenges, with the ruling party accusing the BJP-led Centre of undermining its authority.

6. Legal troubles for key AAP leaders

The arrest of key leaders, such as Sisodia and Kejriwal, has brought intense scrutiny to AAP’s political machinery. While Kejriwal’s time in jail lasted nearly six months, Sisodia spent over 17 months incarcerated. Several other party leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Satyendar Jain, have also faced legal issues, further tarnishing the party’s image.

7. AAP’s rise from the anti-corruption movement

Despite the challenges, AAP’s rise was initially fueled by its anti-corruption message, which resonated with Delhi’s electorate. Backed by the support of social activist Anna Hazare, the party’s first term in office was short-lived, but it managed a spectacular comeback in 2015 after Kejriwal apologized to the people of Delhi, pledging to serve a full term.

8. AAP’s model of governance

In its second term, AAP focused heavily on governance in areas like education and healthcare, which earned the party a reputation for delivering on public services. The success of its “Delhi Model” was highlighted by the party’s growth in other states, including a strong victory in Punjab. AAP’s national aspirations grew, and the party soon earned the label of a national player, challenging the BJP’s dominance.

9. BJP’s allegations against AAP’s “Revdi Culture”

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly accused AAP of fostering a “revdi culture,” where the party hands out freebies to secure votes. Despite these claims, the AAP model, which focuses on essential services, has managed to win considerable support, particularly among lower-income voters.

10. The stakes for AAP and the BJP

With the 2025 Delhi election underway, the stakes are high. For AAP, a third consecutive victory would cement its place in Indian politics and prove its resilience in the face of mounting opposition. For the BJP, a win would signify its resurgence in the national capital, delivering a significant blow to the AAP’s political aspirations. For Congress, this election represents a final attempt to revive its dwindling influence in Delhi.

As polling day arrives, the eyes of the nation are on Delhi, where the future of its political landscape will be determined in the coming hours.

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Asish Banerjee found dead in Rampurhat, Mamata Banerjee aide’s death shocks TMC

Former West Bengal deputy speaker and five-time Rampurhat MLA Asish Banerjee was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum.

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August 16, 2026

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Mamata Banerjee

Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office next to his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday morning.

Police said his body was found hanging and was sent for postmortem. A large crowd gathered outside the Trinamool Congress office after news of his death spread.

Who was Asish Banerjee?

Asish Banerjee had served as the deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly when Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was the state’s chief minister. He was also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat.

He had served as Bengal’s education and agriculture minister after Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress first came to power in the state.

Banerjee contested the West Bengal Assembly election earlier this year but lost the Rampurhat seat to BJP’s Dhruba Saha.

Asish Banerjee’s recent party role

Banerjee stepped down as chairman of the Trinamool Congress’s Birbhum district core committee in June. At the time, he said he would continue as a general member of the party.

He lived in the Hattalapara neighbourhood of Rampurhat, with the party office where his body was found located next to his house.

BJP gains in Birbhum

The BJP won six of the 11 Assembly constituencies in Birbhum in the latest state election. This marked a significant change from 2021, when the Trinamool Congress had won 10 seats in the district while the BJP had secured one.

Police have sent Asish Banerjee’s body for postmortem as the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

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IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

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1 day ago

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August 15, 2026

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IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

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Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

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1 day ago

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August 15, 2026

By

Rahul Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.

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