AAP, BJP, AAP... to BJP: See-saw battle serves up a New Delhi winner

In 2013, then chief minister Sheila Dikshit suffered a stunning defeat in the New Delhi constituency at the hands of a newcomer - Arvind Kejriwal, who went on to succeed her as CM.

This time, a similar upset was in store for the AAP chief, who lost the seat to BJP's Parvesh Verma, son of former CM Sahib Singh Verma, by 4,089 votes. Ironically, it was Sheila Dikshit's son Sandeep who ate into Kejriwal's tally, polling 4,568 votes.

The New Delhi constituency comprises Lutyens' Delhi, which has the President's Estate, bungalows of the PM and Union ministers, and Parliament. Among the smallest of Delhi's 70 assembly seats, the "kingmaker's throne" has long been synonymous with chief ministerial aspirations. During campaigning, all parties reached out to the bureaucrats and the affluent voters residing in the upscale colonies of Golf Links, Jor Bagh, Khan Market and Connaught Place.

The loss of the 'prestige seat' could hit Kejriwal's credibility, as he made the poll a referendum on his corruption allegations. While resigning as the CM, he had said: "We will return to power after people give me a certificate of honesty."

BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva took a dig at Kejriwal after his loss, saying: "People have given their verdict, they think Kejriwal is corrupt. He should apologise to Delhi for corruption in the liquor policy."

According to BJP strategists, several factors worked in Verma's favour, such as the central govt's recommendations for merging pay scales in the 8th Pay Commission and revised tax slabs in the Union Budget. "Now around 85% of taxpayers in Delhi will not have to pay almost any tax. Most people in the New Delhi constituency benefited from that," he added.

During the campaigning, BJP also kept up the pressure with allegations of corruption in renovation of Kejriwal's former residence, describing it as "Sheesh Mahal".

Expressing gratitude after his poll victory, Verma said, "I would like to thank the people of Delhi. This is a win for all Delhiites, it's a win for PM Narendra Modi. Delhi govt can now work in tandem with his vision for the national capital."

Conceding defeat, Kejriwal said, "We accept the decision of the people with utmost respect. I congratulate BJP on this victory and I hope that they will fulfil the trust people have placed in them. Now, not only will we be a constructive opposition, but we will also be active in social service and provide for people in their good and bad times."