Middle class: A decisive force in the BJP's Delhi victory

This class serves not just as a kingmaker but also as an enforcer of governance accountability

- RAJESH SHUKLA

A sizeable middle class plays a crucial role in sustaining democracy. Consider the Delhi legislative assembly elections, where middle-class voters played a decisive role in shaping the outcome. The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory marks a significant shift in Delhi's political landscape, dominated for over a decade by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). According to PRICE's ICE 360 data, the middle class constitutes a substantial portion of Delhi's electorate, particularly in districts such as West Delhi (85%), South Delhi (74%), East Delhi (69%) and North West Delhi (62%). Its vote reflects a demand for governance reforms, economic stability and infrastructure improvements, overriding earlier trends favouring populist policies.

The BJP's success stemmed from its ability to connect with middle-class voters by focusing on economic growth, infrastructure and administrative efficiency. Unlike past elections, when measures such as free electricity and water subsidies dominated voter concerns, this election saw demands for job creation, business-friendly policies and urban development, with an increased middle-class voter turnout contributing to the BJP's victory. Greater participation by professionals, entrepreneurs and salaried individuals indicated a growing awareness of the impact of governance on the economy. The recent budget, which included tax relief, home-loan subsidies and support for small businesses, further strengthened the BJP's appeal among voters in this demographic group.