The Delhi Assembly election result is a classic case of pride before fall. It also shows how the theory of diminishing returns applies to politics. It is not the defeat alone that should shock the BJP but also the margin of defeat. The BJP leadership has itself to blame for ignoring the anger of the lower and middle class voters. Instead of addressing their problems, it was more interested in self-defeating exercises like the ghar wapsi programme. The impression on the ground was that the Hindutva agenda was getting precedence over the governance agenda.
Another major factor for the BJP's loss has been the manner in which Ms Kiran Bedi was imposed over the local cadre. This caused much heartburn. When the state of suspended animation of the Delhi Assembly was not to result in the formation of a viable Government, the delay in holding a fresh election cost the BJP dearly. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party filled the gap wisely.