India PM Modi concedes defeat in Delhi polls

The anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was poised for a landmark victory in Delhi's legislative assembly polls, seen as a major test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP).

Modi tweeted his congratulations to AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.

Early tallies released by the Indian Election Commission showed the AAP leading in 66 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi state assembly, while the Hindu nationalist BJP was ahead in just three.

The Delhi state election results marked a comeback for leader Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP, which in Hindi translates as "the common man's party."

The 'anarchist' minister

Kejriwal faced a severe loss of trust among his voters after his party won the state in 2013.

The anti-corruption activist went on protest in New Delhi, shortly after being sworn in as chief minister. He resigned within 49 days, demanding fresh elections and protesting the fact that opposition parties in the national parliament had stalled a bill to appoint an ombudsman to monitor corruption and bribery charges.

Voters questioned Kejriwal's credibility while his party also suffered severe criticism following charges of racism against African citizens living in Delhi.

A challenge to Hindu fundamentalists

Following his overwhelming victory at this year's polls, Kejriwal was now expected to deliver on its electoral promises, including providing free electricity and water, and a corruption-free administration for Delhi.

The Delhi state elections are being seen as a major challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, which has won almost every state election ever since it came to power in parliamentary elections last year.

Critics accused Modi's BJP of a deep-seated bias against the country's 160 million Muslims and minorities in general, and of pushing a Hindu nationalist agenda.

mg/rg (AFP, Reuters, AP)