The stage is set for a fierce political battle in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its first list of 29 candidates on Saturday. With key names fielded against prominent leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the elections promise intense contests in several constituencies. Scheduled for February, these elections hold significant stakes for both the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP.
BJP Strategy: Notable Candidates in the Spotlight
Among the most striking moves by the BJP is the decision to pit former Member of Parliament Parvesh Verma against AAP supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the prestigious New Delhi constituency. This high-profile seat has been represented by Kejriwal since 2013 and is set to witness a nail-biting contest. Verma, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, has already drawn criticism from the AAP, which has accused him of distributing cash to voters—an allegation he denies.
Adding to the drama, the Congress has also entered the fray by fielding Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, from the same seat. This makes New Delhi a three-cornered battlefield, with each party vying to claim victory in one of the city’s most prominent constituencies.
Kalkaji: Ramesh Bidhuri vs Atishi
Another key contest will unfold in Kalkaji, where BJP has fielded former MP Ramesh Bidhuri against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. This move underscores the BJP’s focus on challenging AAP’s stronghold in South Delhi. Atishi, a prominent AAP leader, has been a key figure in the party’s education and governance reforms, while Bidhuri brings his experience and influence as a seasoned politician.
Turncoats and Strategic Moves
The BJP’s first list also features several candidates who recently joined the party, signaling a strategic push to attract leaders from rival parties. Among them is Kailash Gahlot, who will contest from the Bijwasan seat. Gahlot, a former AAP leader, accused his previous party of “diluted values and principles” before switching sides. His inclusion reflects the BJP’s attempt to target AAP’s base by fielding defectors in key constituencies.
Arvinder Singh Lovely, a former minister in Sheila Dikshit’s cabinet, has also been given a ticket. Lovely, who joined the BJP after leaving the Congress last year, will contest from the Gandhinagar seat in East Delhi. These moves highlight the BJP’s efforts to expand its influence by bringing seasoned leaders into its fold.
Other Prominent Candidates
The BJP’s candidate list also includes notable names such as:
- Dushyant Gautam from Karol Bagh
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Rajouri Garden
- Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj
In Patparganj, the contest is expected to be particularly intense as Negi faces AAP’s Avadh Ojha, a UPSC tutor making his electoral debut. Ojha’s candidacy follows the departure of AAP’s Manish Sisodia, who had represented the seat for years.
AAP’s Preparedness
While the BJP released its first list of 29 candidates, the AAP had earlier announced its full slate of candidates for all 70 seats. The ruling party, which has held a majority government in Delhi since 2015, faces significant challenges in maintaining its dominance. The AAP’s popularity in the assembly elections has been evident in its two consecutive thumping victories, but its lackluster performance in Lok Sabha elections, where it hasn’t secured a single seat since 2014, underscores the uphill battle it faces against a resurgent BJP.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations
The New Delhi seat has already become a flashpoint, with the AAP filing a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Parvesh Verma. The party accused him of distributing Rs. 1,100 to women voters in the constituency. Verma has denied the allegations, dismissing them as a desperate attempt by the AAP to tarnish his reputation.
Such allegations and counter-allegations are likely to intensify as the election date approaches, adding fuel to an already heated political atmosphere.
The Stakes for BJP
For the BJP, the Delhi Assembly elections represent an opportunity to break AAP’s stronghold in the capital. The party’s strategic candidate selection, which includes seasoned politicians, defectors, and influential figures, reflects its determination to make significant inroads. The inclusion of leaders like Parvesh Verma and Kailash Gahlot shows the BJP’s focus on high-stakes constituencies.
The Congress Factor
While the primary battle appears to be between the AAP and the BJP, the Congress’s decision to field candidates in key constituencies adds an interesting dimension to the elections. Sandeep Dikshit’s candidature in New Delhi is particularly notable, as it brings the legacy of Sheila Dikshit back into the spotlight. Whether the Congress can reclaim relevance in Delhi politics remains to be seen, but its participation could potentially split votes, influencing the outcomes in closely contested seats.
Looking Ahead
As Delhi gears up for the 2025 Assembly Elections, the political landscape is rife with speculation and anticipation. With high-profile contests, strategic alliances, and a charged atmosphere, the elections promise to be a closely watched affair. The BJP’s aggressive push, the AAP’s resolve to maintain its dominance, and the Congress’s attempts to stay relevant will shape the narrative in the coming months.
For Delhi voters, the choices are stark, and the stakes are high. The results will not only determine the city’s governance for the next five years but also provide a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of Indian politics.