The political history of Delhi is a journey through ancient empires, colonial rule, and modern democratic governance. Below is a chronological overview of its political evolution:

The political history of Delhi is a journey through ancient empires, colonial rule, and modern democratic governance. Below is a chronological overview of its political evolution:

Ancient & Medieval Periods

1. Maurya & Gupta Empires (321 BCE – 550 CE)

Delhi was part of the Maurya and Gupta Empires, although it was not a political capital.

2. Delhi Sultanate (1206 – 1526)

The Slave Dynasty (1206–1290): Qutb-ud-din Aibak established Delhi as a political center.

The Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320): Alauddin Khilji expanded the empire and strengthened Delhi's position.

The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414): Muhammad bin Tughlaq moved the capital to Daulatabad but later returned to Delhi.

The Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) and Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526) ruled before the Mughals.

3. Mughal Empire (1526 – 1857)

Babur established Mughal rule after the Battle of Panipat (1526).

Shah Jahan (1628–1658) built Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), making it the imperial capital.

The empire declined after Aurangzeb (1658–1707), leading to British intervention.

British Rule (1857 – 1947)

1. 1857 Revolt & British Takeover

Delhi was a key battleground in the 1857 Revolt. The British defeated the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and formally took control.

2. Capital Shift to Delhi (1911)

The British shifted India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, designing New Delhi under Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Delhi became the official capital in 1931.

Post-Independence Political Governments in Delhi

1. 1947 – 1956: Chief Commissioner’s Province

Delhi was governed directly by the Central Government.

2. 1956 – 1993: Union Territory with Limited Autonomy

Delhi became a Union Territory with a Metropolitan Council (1966–1990) but had no legislative powers.

3. 1993 – Present: National Capital Territory (NCT) with Elected Government

The Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 reintroduced a legislative assembly.

Chief Ministers of Delhi (Since 1952)

1. 1952 – 1955: Chaudhary Brahm Prakash (Congress) – First CM of Delhi.

2. 1955 – 1956: Gurmukh Nihal Singh (Congress).

3. 1956 – 1993: No CM; Delhi was governed by the Lt. Governor.

4. 1993 – 1998: Madan Lal Khurana (BJP).

5. 1998 – 2013: Sheila Dikshit (Congress) – Longest-serving CM.

6. 2013 – 2013: Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) – First term lasted 49 days.

7. 2015 – Present: Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) – Re-elected in 2015 and 2020.

Current Governance Structure (Post-2015)

Lieutenant Governor (LG): Represents the President of India.

Chief Minister & Cabinet: Controls education, health, transport, etc.

Central Government: Controls law, police, land, and services.

Recent Political Developments

2015 & 2020 Elections: AAP won by a huge margin, reducing Congress and BJP to minimal seats.

2023 Ordinance on Services: Central Government passed an ordinance limiting Delhi CM’s control over bureaucrats.

Conclusion

Delhi's political landscape has evolved from dynastic empires to colonial rule and a modern democracy. Today, it remains a unique case where power is shared between an elected government and the Union Government, often leading to political conflicts over governance authority.