Political Calendar for 2025

Apart from the elections, there is also the budget that will be the first challenge of the year. The economy still remains Modi's biggest challenge. Will he continue to make the middle class pay for his welfarism or will he finally offer some cheer to the salaried professional, the trader and the entrepreneur?

- PRIYA SAHGAL

First of all, a very happy new year. Politically speaking, 2025 is going to begin on a highly charged note with the Delhi elections. Although Delhi is not a full state and sends only 7 MPs to the Lok Sabha, it is the capital and in terms of optics it sends a powerful message as to who controls the city. Which is why we have seen the never ending turf war between the BJP via the Lt Governor’s office and the ruling Aam Admi Party. For the sitting chief minister this is also a crucial election, as apart from Punjab (which is fast spiralling out of control), Delhi is the only win that he has to boast about. And Delhi is really where the Aam Admi Party’s journey began. For the BJP, this is a win that has always eluded Prime Minister Modi for it has never won Delhi after Modi took office. In other words, apart from Mamata Bannerjee, the Delhi CM remains one who has successfully warded off the Modi juggernaut. On a personal note, he would like to win Delhi for the BJP. In fact, going into the new year with less than two months left for the polls the BJP is still to announce a CM candidate. Wh