Another voter bloc that switched sides

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 11 of 14 constituencies in Delhi dominated by migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, known as Purvanchalis, an indication that a key bloc which overwhelmingly voted for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may have shifted loyalties.

- Snehil Sinha

NEW DELHI:

Of the 14, the BJP won Dwarka, Laxmi Nagar, Karawal Nagar, Malviya Nagar, Patparganj, Rajinder Nagar, Rohtas Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Shalimar Bagh, Model Town and Vikaspuri. This sweep left the AAP with Babarpur, Burari and Kirari – strongholds they have held since 2013.

That the BJP was pleased with this performance became evident in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's victory speech at the BJP headquarters. "During the campaign, wherever I went, I proudly said that I am an MP from Purvanchal. The people of Purvanchal today reinforced this relationship of love and trust with energy and strength. I thank the Purvanchalis of Delhi," PM Modi said.

The man who is arguably Delhi's best-known Purvanchali, actor, singer and member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, seconded that. "The Purvanchalis have supported us and we thank them for it. We will continue to support our brothers and sisters and will ensure that we deliver on all our promises."