NEW DELHI (APP) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conceded defeat on Tuesday in Delhi state elections as early results showed anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal’s party set for a landslide victory.
Modi assured Kejriwal of the national government’s “complete support” following the right-wing premier’s first election loss since storming to power at general polls last May.
“Spoke to ArvindKejriwal & congratulated him on the win. Assured him Centre’s complete support in the development of Delhi,” Modi said in a tweet. Early tallies showed Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading in just three seats in the 70-seat state assembly, with former Delhi chief minister Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead in 66.
Kejriwal’s victory marks a stunning comeback for the anti-graft champion and self-styled anarchist, who resigned following a chaotic 49-day spell in charge of the Delhi state government a year ago.
After apologising for leaving voters without an elected government for a year, Kejriwal was the star of the campaign, outshining former policewoman Kiran Bedi who was the BJP’s pick for chief minister.
Sarfraz Ali
The writer works as lifestyle Reporter for Daily Pakistan. He can be reached at sarfraz1168@gmail.com.
