For the first time in 27 years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reclaimed power in the Delhi Assembly elections with a landslide victory. This decisive win not only marks the end of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long rule but also reshapes the political landscape of the national capital. While many factors contributed to BJP’s success, one name stands out behind the scenes—Baijayant Jay Panda.

Baijayant Jay Panda: The Architect of BJP’s Victory

Jay Panda, a seasoned politician and five-time Member of Parliament from Odisha, was entrusted with the daunting task of turning BJP’s fortunes around in Delhi. In a city where the party had struggled for decades, Panda’s strategic planning and execution played a pivotal role in scripting this remarkable victory. His ability to mobilize the party at the grassroots level, coupled with his deep political acumen, made all the difference.

BJP’s Delhi Comeback: A Strategic Triumph

In the 70-member Delhi Assembly, BJP secured an overwhelming 48 seats, ensuring an absolute majority. This victory was a stark contrast to the party’s past performances, where it won just three seats in 2015 and eight in 2020. The shift was no coincidence—it was the result of meticulous groundwork, a well-crafted manifesto, and a leadership that resonated with the people.

Why Did Delhi Vote for BJP? The Key Factors

According to Jay Panda, Delhi’s voters chose BJP because of three primary reasons:

Modi’s Leadership and Vision – The assurance of development, good governance, and an end to corruption under Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a crucial role in voter sentiment.

Public Discontent with AAP – Over time, many Delhiites grew frustrated with AAP’s governance model, allegations of corruption, and confrontational politics.

A Strong and Focused Campaign – BJP effectively engaged with communities at a micro level, ensuring that every voter felt heard and represented.

Jay Panda: The Man Behind the Strategy

Apart from leading BJP’s Delhi campaign, Baijayant Jay Panda holds several key roles within the party:

National Vice-President of BJP

Delhi Unit In-Charge

Head of BJP’s Assam Unit

Party Spokesperson

Key Strategist for Assembly Elections

Panda, who was once a senior leader in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), joined BJP in 2019 after ideological differences with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik. His rise within the BJP has been swift, and his contributions to various state elections have been significant.

How Jay Panda Orchestrated BJP’s Delhi Win

In October 2024, BJP’s central leadership assigned Jay Panda the responsibility of leading the Delhi campaign. Many political analysts saw this as a challenging task, given BJP’s past struggles in the capital. However, through a combination of focused booth-level management, issue-based campaigning, and extensive grassroots outreach, Panda successfully reversed the party’s fortunes.

His approach included:

A Silent Yet Impactful Strategy – Unlike BJP’s usual high-decibel campaigns, Panda opted for a ground-level mobilization strategy that reached directly to voters.

Door-to-Door Campaigning – BJP workers engaged personally with residents, addressing their concerns and countering AAP’s claims effectively.

Strategic Manifesto Communication – BJP’s campaign focused on development, women’s safety, infrastructure, and corruption-free governance, striking a chord with voters.

AAP’s Attack on BJP and Panda’s Counter Strategy

During the campaign, AAP frequently challenged BJP for not announcing a Chief Ministerial candidate. However, Jay Panda ensured that BJP maintained a collective leadership approach, emphasizing governance over individual personas. This move not only neutralized AAP’s narrative but also kept the focus on BJP’s overall vision for Delhi’s development.

Jay Panda’s Track Record as a Political Strategist

Jay Panda’s success in Delhi wasn’t a one-time phenomenon. In 2021, he played a crucial role in BJP’s victory in Assam’s assembly elections, where:

BJP retained power with 75 seats.

The party won 60 out of 126 assembly seats.

It became the first non-Congress party to win two consecutive terms in Assam.

His strategic approach in Assam prepared him for the Delhi challenge, and his efforts paid off spectacularly.

BJP’s Next Move: What’s in Store for Delhi?

Now that BJP has secured power in Delhi, the focus shifts to governance. The party has promised:

Massive Infrastructure Development – Upgrading roads, flyovers, and public transport.

Better Public Services – Improving healthcare, sanitation, and education facilities.

Corruption-Free Administration – Ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.

Meanwhile, political observers believe that Jay Panda’s success in Delhi could position him for even bigger responsibilities within the BJP’s national framework. With his proven track record as an election strategist, he is likely to play a critical role in BJP’s future state elections.

The Rise of a Political Mastermind

Baijayant Jay Panda has emerged as one of BJP’s most formidable strategists, proving his mettle by leading the party to a historic victory in Delhi. His silent yet highly effective approach reshaped BJP’s electoral prospects in the national capital. As BJP moves ahead with its governance agenda, Panda’s influence within the party is set to grow, making him a key figure in India’s political landscape.

For now, he has delivered what seemed impossible—BJP’s return to power in Delhi after nearly three decades.