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.
