Kejriwal, who was released on bail and resigned as Delhi chief minister to focus on campaigning for the state election, lost the seat he was contesting.
AAP will play the role of constructive opposition after trying to improve the city’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the past ten years, Kejriwal said in a video message on X.
AAP, which won the past two elections with thumping majorities, was popular because of its largesse, such as free water and power for the poor, its main voter base.
To counter AAP, the BJP promised monthly payments of 2,500 Indian rupees ($28) to all poor women, a one-time payment of 21,000 rupees to each pregnant woman, subsidised cooking gas, a monthly pension of 2,500 rupees for the elderly and 15,000 rupees for the youth to prepare for competitive exams.
Modi lost his majority in India’s parliament last year but returned as prime minister for a record-equalling third term with the support of regional parties. His BJP has won three of four subsequent state elections.
State election victories help political parties boost their numbers in the upper house of parliament, which is key for decision-making.
