What Is 05th Legislative Assembly of Delhi

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: The 5th Legislative Assembly of Delhi was constituted on December 28, 2013, following elections held on December 4, 2013, where the BJP won 31 seats and AAP won 28 seats in a hung assembly. Arvind Kejriwal of AAP became Chief Minister with Congress support but resigned after 49 days on February 14, 2014.

Key Facts

Constituted on December 28, 2013, after elections on December 4, 2013 with 70 total seats
BJP won 31 seats, AAP won 28 seats, Congress won 8 seats, and SAD won 1 seat
Arvind Kejriwal sworn in as 7th Chief Minister of Delhi on December 28, 2013, at age 45
AAP's debut election resulted in 28 seats, making it the second-largest party in the house
Kejriwal resigned on February 14, 2014, after 49 days citing obstruction of Jan Lokpal Bill, assembly dissolved November 4, 2014

Overview

The Fifth Legislative Assembly of Delhi was constituted on December 28, 2013, following the legislative elections held on December 4, 2013. This assembly represented a historic moment in Delhi's political landscape, marking the first electoral success of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a newly formed political organization focused on anti-corruption governance.

The elections resulted in a hung assembly, with no single party securing the required 36 seats for a simple majority out of the 70-member legislative body. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party with 31 seats, followed closely by AAP with 28 seats. This political configuration led to unique coalition dynamics and ultimately shaped the brief tenure of the Fifth Assembly.

How It Works

The Delhi Legislative Assembly operates as the primary legislative body of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Fifth Assembly functioned under the following structure:

Composition: The assembly consists of 70 elected members representing different constituencies across Delhi, with members serving five-year terms or until dissolution
Government Formation: After the BJP declined to form a government citing inability to secure majority, AAP was invited by the Lieutenant-Governor to form the government with external support from the Indian National Congress (INC)
Chief Minister Powers: The Chief Minister holds executive authority and is responsible for implementing legislative decisions and managing the National Capital Territory's affairs
Legislative Functions: The assembly enacts laws, approves budgets, and oversees government policies through debates, questions, and voting procedures
Dissolution Protocol: Assemblies can be dissolved by the President on recommendations from the Lieutenant-Governor when they cease to command the confidence of the house

Key Comparisons

Aspect	5th Assembly (2013)	4th Assembly (2008-2013)	6th Assembly (2015-2020)
Formation Date	December 28, 2013	December 2008	February 2015
Largest Party	BJP (31 seats)	BJP	AAP (67 seats)
Chief Minister	Arvind Kejriwal (AAP)	Sheila Dikshit (INC)	Arvind Kejriwal (AAP)
Tenure Duration	49 days (49 days)	Full 5-year term	Full 5-year term
Notable Feature	Hung Assembly, AAP's debut	Congress majority rule	AAP overwhelming mandate

Why It Matters

Political Transformation: The Fifth Assembly marked a significant shift in Delhi's political dynamics, with AAP's emergence challenging the traditional two-party system dominated by Congress and BJP
Anti-Corruption Movement: AAP's strong performance in its first election reflected growing public demand for governance focused on transparency and accountability, resonating particularly with urban voters
Constitutional Precedent: The assembly's premature dissolution in November 2014 after Kejriwal's resignation set precedents for handling hung assemblies and government formation procedures in Delhi
Public Mandate: Although short-lived, the Fifth Assembly demonstrated voter appetite for new political alternatives, which was decisively affirmed in subsequent 2015 elections when AAP won a landslide with 67 seats

The Fifth Legislative Assembly of Delhi, despite its brief existence of less than one year, proved to be a watershed moment in Delhi's democratic history. Arvind Kejriwal's decision to resign after 49 days rather than compromise on his governance agenda became emblematic of the anti-corruption stance that resonated with Delhi's electorate. The assembly's dissolution on November 4, 2014, followed by fresh elections in early 2015, demonstrated how electoral dynamics can rapidly shift based on public expectations and political performance. The Fifth Assembly's legacy extends beyond its immediate tenure, influencing Delhi's political trajectory for years to come.