The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its initial list of candidates for the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly elections 2025, naming candidates for 29 of the 70 seats in the national capital. The elections, set to take place in February, are expected to be a fiercely contested battle, with the BJP aiming to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been in power since 2015.
Key Highlights from the BJP Candidate List
- Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma vs. Arvind Kejriwal
Former BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma will contest from the New Delhi seat, taking on AAP’s national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This matchup is expected to be one of the most high-profile contests in the elections. - Kailash Gehlot Joins BJP
Kailash Gehlot, a former Transport Minister and once a close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, recently switched from AAP to BJP. He will contest from the Bijwasan seat, signaling BJP’s strategic recruitment of former AAP stalwarts. - Ramesh Bidhuri in Kalkaji
Ramesh Bidhuri, previously a BJP MP from South Delhi, will compete from the Kalkaji constituency against current Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Congress has fielded Alka Lamba as its candidate in this key constituency. - Arvinder Singh Lovely in Gandhinagar
Former Congress leader and minister in Sheila Dikshit’s cabinet, Arvinder Singh Lovely, who joined BJP last year, will contest from the Gandhinagar seat in East Delhi. - No Ticket for BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva
Contrary to speculations, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva will not be contesting the elections, as confirmed by party sources.
The Political Landscape in Delhi
BJP’s Strategy
The BJP is making bold moves to regain its footing in Delhi, leveraging high-profile candidates and defections from rival parties. The party is focusing on seats currently held by AAP while maintaining a stronghold in areas with significant voter bases.
AAP’s Stronghold
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has held a commanding majority in the Delhi Assembly since 2015. However, it has struggled in national elections, failing to secure a single Lok Sabha seat since 2014. AAP has already announced candidates for all 70 constituencies, indicating its readiness for the electoral battle.
Congress’s Comeback Attempt
Once a dominant force in Delhi politics, the Congress has struggled to secure any Assembly seats in the last two elections. Despite being part of the INDIA bloc alongside AAP, the two parties are contesting separately, adding an intriguing dynamic to the race.
Key Contests to Watch
| Constituency | BJP Candidate | Opponent(s) |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma | Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) |
| Kalkaji | Ramesh Bidhuri | Atishi (AAP), Alka Lamba (Congress) |
| Bijwasan | Kailash Gehlot | Yet to be announced |
| Gandhinagar | Arvinder Singh Lovely | Likely AAP and Congress candidates |
The Stakes
- BJP: After dominating Delhi’s Lok Sabha seats for a decade, the BJP is eager to make inroads in the Assembly elections and reclaim influence in the city-state.
- AAP: With its track record in governance, AAP seeks a third consecutive term, despite facing criticism and challenges from within.
- Congress: Hoping to revive its lost glory, Congress is banking on experienced leaders like Alka Lamba to make a comeback.
Opposition Dynamics: INDIA Bloc’s Internal Rivalry
Interestingly, both Congress and AAP, members of the opposition alliance INDIA, are contesting against each other in Delhi. This rivalry highlights fractures within the bloc, which could benefit the BJP.
The Delhi Assembly elections promise an intense political battle, with BJP and AAP locked in a head-to-head contest. With former allies turned adversaries and high-profile candidates in the fray, the elections are set to reshape Delhi’s political narrative.
Stay tuned for further updates as the campaign intensifies.
FAQs
1. When will the Delhi Assembly elections 2025 be held?
The elections are scheduled for February 2025.
2. Who is contesting against Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat?
Former BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma is contesting against Arvind Kejriwal.
3. Is Congress contesting the Delhi elections independently?
Yes, Congress is contesting independently despite being part of the INDIA bloc with AAP.
4. Who is BJP’s candidate for the Kalkaji constituency?
Ramesh Bidhuri is the BJP candidate for Kalkaji.
5. When was the last time Congress won in Delhi Assembly elections?
Congress last held power in Delhi until 2013, under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit.
For more updates on the Delhi Assembly elections, stay tuned to our election coverage.
