The political battleground in the national capital is heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, slated for February 2025. This announcement on Saturday, January 4, 2025, sets the tone for what promises to be an intense electoral showdown between the three key players—BJP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Congress.
Parvesh Verma vs Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi
Among the significant names in the BJP’s first list is Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, who has been fielded from the New Delhi constituency, where he will lock horns with AAP’s national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This high-stakes contest has already drawn considerable attention, as Verma aims to challenge Kejriwal’s political dominance on his home turf.
In Kalkaji, BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri will face a tough battle against current Delhi CM Atishi from AAP. Congress, seeking to revive its fortunes in the capital, has nominated Alka Lamba, adding further intrigue to this triangular contest.
BJP’s Key Candidates in Important Constituencies
The BJP’s strategy appears to focus on experienced leaders and fresh faces alike. Prominent names include:
- Vijender Gupta from Rohini, a well-known face in Delhi’s political circles.
- Ashish Sood from Janakpuri, who has been actively involved in local politics.
- Kailash Gahlot from Bijwasan, aiming to strengthen BJP’s urban outreach.
Other key candidates include Anil Sharma from R.K. Puram, Satish Upadhyay from Malviya Nagar, and Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj. In Model Town, the party has fielded Ashok Goel, a name synonymous with strong grassroots connections.
For the reserved constituency of Karol Bagh (SC), BJP has fielded Dushyant Kumar Gautam, indicating its focus on reaching out to marginalized communities. Similarly, Rekha Gupta will contest from Shalimar Bagh, aiming to secure a foothold in a key urban segment.
In Jangpura, BJP’s Sardar Tarvinder Singh Marwah will take on AAP’s former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, while Congress has fielded former Mayor Farhad Suri, making it another closely watched constituency.
Congress Seeks Revival Amid BJP-AAP Duel
While much of the spotlight remains on the BJP-AAP rivalry, Congress is quietly working to make a comeback in Delhi. By fielding experienced leaders like Alka Lamba and Farhad Suri, the party is hoping to carve out a share of the electorate that is looking for an alternative.
A High-Stakes Election
As Delhi gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, all eyes are on these critical constituencies. BJP’s first list signals its intent to mount a serious challenge to AAP’s dominance in the capital. Meanwhile, AAP is looking to retain its stronghold, and Congress is striving to remain relevant in a highly polarized political landscape.
With heavyweights like Kejriwal, Atishi, and Sisodia facing stiff competition from BJP’s seasoned campaigners, the Delhi Assembly elections are poised to be a fiercely contested affair. The coming weeks will see intense campaigning, strategy shifts, and political rhetoric as all parties gear up for what could be a game-changing election for the city.