NEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for state legislature elections in Delhi, aiming to unseat the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has governed the Indian capital for over a decade. The AAP has recently been embroiled in graft allegations, which could influence voter sentiment.

The BJP has regained some lost momentum after winning state elections in northern Haryana and western Maharashtra, despite having failed to secure a majority in last year's national elections. Modi’s party is contesting against AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, who has established a strong support base through popular welfare initiatives.

Delhi is a federal territory with a population exceeding 20 million, and the BJP has not succeeded in winning the region for more than 27 years, despite showing significant support in the capital. The elections are set to begin on Wednesday, with results expected on Saturday.

Both candidates have focused their campaigns on improving government education, providing free health services, and offering benefits such as monthly stipends of over 2,000 rupees (approximately $25) to impoverished women. Modi’s BJP particularly aims to enhance its previous election tally, bolstered by a recent budget that slashed income tax for the salaried middle class, a crucial voter demographic.

In the last election, held in 2020, the AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, showcasing its dominance. Political analysts, like Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, have observed that while the BJP may seem ahead in publicity and resources, dislodging the AAP will be challenging due to its popularity.

The Congress party, India’s main opposition, is also in the race but is anticipated to perform poorly, having conducted a lackluster campaign. Kejriwal, positioning himself as an anti-corruption figure, founded the AAP in 2012 in response to public outrage over corruption scandals involving the Congress party government. His pro-poor policies have emphasized improving state-run schools and providing affordable electricity, free healthcare, and public transport for women.

However, Kejriwal was arrested last year alongside two AAP leaders on charges of accepting bribes from a liquor distributor, accusations he claims are part of a political conspiracy. Following his release on bail by the Supreme Court, Kejriwal stepped down as chief minister, passing the mantle to senior party leader Atishi, asserting his intention to win back public trust.

Opposition parties have strongly condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, accusing Modi’s administration of misusing federal investigation agencies to weaken political opponents. There have been multiple raids and arrests involving key opposition figures leading up to the elections, adding to the tense political atmosphere.

Historical voting patterns indicate that voters in Delhi often differentiate between national and state elections. Since Modi's ascendance to power in 2014, his party has typically excelled in national polls but has faced challenges in Delhi's state elections, where residents have more frequently supported the AAP.

During the current election campaign, the BJP has aimed to remind constituents of the corruption allegations against Kejriwal, hoping to overshadow the AAP's welfare programs. The BJP faced a significant defeat in 1998, after which the Congress party controlled the region for 15 years. The AAP’s sweeping victory in 2015, winning 67 of 70 seats, reflects the strong local support for its agenda.

In campaign rallies, Kejriwal has focused on economic development by highlighting advancements in healthcare and education, consciously steering clear of the corruption charges against him. He has called on voters to support the AAP based on its track record of improved service delivery, asserting, "I am not here for Aam Aadmi Party. I am here for the progress of Delhi."

Supporters of Kejriwal remain steadfast in their allegiance, claiming that the accusations against their leader are unfounded. "All the allegations are false," said Pooja Lamba, a homemaker from Delhi, expressing confidence in Kejriwal's integrity and commitment to the people.