The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 2025. This strategic move sets the stage for high-stakes contests against key leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress.
Prominent among BJP’s candidates is Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, who will face off against AAP convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. Another crucial battle will unfold in Kalkaji, where BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri is set to challenge Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Congress has also entered the fray in Kalkaji, fielding Alka Lamba as its candidate.
Key Figures and Constituencies
The BJP’s list includes several high-profile candidates:
- Vijender Gupta, a former MLA, will contest from the Rohini constituency.
- Ashish Sood, a veteran BJP leader, is slated to represent Janakpuri.
- Kailash Gahlot, another significant name, will contest from Bijwasan.
- Anil Sharma has been fielded from R.K. Puram, and Satish Upadhyay will compete in Malviya Nagar.
Other notable candidates include Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj and Ashok Goel from Model Town. The Karol Bagh (SC) seat will be contested by Dushyant Kumar Gautam, while Rekha Gupta has been chosen for Shalimar Bagh.
In Jangpura, BJP has placed its bet on Sardar Tarvinder Singh Marwah, who will compete against former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of the AAP. Congress has fielded Farhad Suri, a former Mayor of Delhi, for this seat, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Allegations Fly Over Voter List Manipulation
As the political battle heats up, AAP and BJP have traded accusations of tampering with Delhi’s voter lists. Both parties claim foul play, setting a tense tone for the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Congress and AAP have reiterated that they will contest the elections independently, ruling out alliances.
A Make-or-Break Election
The Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be a decisive moment for all major parties. The BJP’s strategy appears focused on reclaiming its foothold in a state where AAP has dominated in recent years. With its carefully curated list of candidates, BJP is aiming to challenge the incumbents and make inroads into constituencies traditionally held by AAP and Congress.
For AAP, the elections are an opportunity to consolidate its governance narrative and counter BJP’s national-level appeal. Congress, while seemingly overshadowed, is striving to position itself as a viable alternative.
The political landscape in Delhi is buzzing with activity as candidates gear up for campaigns. High-stakes battles, particularly in New Delhi, Kalkaji, and Jangpura, are expected to draw significant attention. As the election date approaches, voters will be watching closely to see how the narratives of governance, development, and leadership unfold.
The release of BJP’s first candidate list signals the beginning of an intense electoral season in Delhi. With political heavyweights clashing in key constituencies, the February elections promise to be one of the most closely contested in recent memory. All eyes are now on the campaign trail as parties make their case to the people of Delhi.