The Delhi Elections 2025 are shaping up to be a thrilling contest as key candidates from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress gear up to battle it out for crucial constituencies. Here's a look at the main contenders from each party:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Arvind Kejriwal
Constituency: New Delhi
Kejriwal, AAP's National Convenor of Delhi, has held the New Delhi seat since 2013. He faces strong opposition from BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit. Kejriwal’s tenure has been defined by major wins, including a landmark victory over Sheila Dikshit in 2013. Despite resigning as CM, he remains the de-facto leader of Delhi, with his championing of the poor being at odds with corruption allegations. His campaign is further complicated by questions regarding Muslim votes and anti-establishment sentiments.
Atishi- sitting CM
Constituency: Kalkaji
Atishi, the sitting CM and a key AAP figure, has made waves in Delhi politics, having won the Kalkaji Assembly seat in 2020. She faces BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri, who recently stirred controversy with comments about her surname. Atishi's comeback in Kalkaji promises to be an intense battle.
Manish Sisodia
Constituency: Jangpura
Sisodia, a founding member of AAP and former Deputy CM, is shifting from Patparganj to Jangpura. His past victories have been overshadowed by his arrest in the Delhi Excise Policy case, which will likely dominate his campaign, especially after his release on bail.
Satyendra Jain
Constituency: Shakur Basti
A senior AAP leader, Jain is seeking re-election from Shakur Basti, where he has won decisively before. However, his arrest for money laundering and his subsequent bail will remain focal points in the electoral fight.
Saurabh Bhardwaj
Constituency: Greater Kailash
Bhardwaj, a seasoned AAP leader, has held Greater Kailash since 2013. His controversial stance on EVM tampering and his role as a prominent spokesperson for AAP will play a significant role in his re-election bid.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Ramesh Bidhuri
Constituency: Kalkaji
Bidhuri, a veteran BJP leader, is taking on Atishi in Kalkaji. With a background in both the Delhi Assembly and Lok Sabha, his controversial remarks and promises to improve infrastructure will be key talking points during his campaign.
Parvesh Verma
Constituency: New Delhi
Verma, a prominent Jat leader, is challenging Kejriwal in New Delhi. His political career includes an FIR for violating the Model Code of Conduct and controversial statements about Shaheen Bagh. His fight against Kejriwal promises to be fiercely competitive.
Kapil Mishra
Constituency: Karawal Nagar
A former AAP leader who defected to BJP, Mishra’s history includes inflammatory rhetoric and involvement in the 2020 Delhi riots. His campaign will likely stir much debate, especially given his controversial past.
Vijender Gupta
Constituency: Rohini
A two-time MLA, Gupta is seeking re-election from Rohini. His contributions to local governance and his role as the Leader of Opposition are expected to be key highlights of his campaign.
Kailash Gahlot
Constituency: Bijwasan
Gahlot, once with AAP and now with BJP, is contesting from Bijwasan. His switch from AAP to BJP will certainly add an interesting layer to his electoral challenge.
Arvinder Singh Lovely
Constituency: Gandhi Nagar
Lovely, a former Congress leader now with BJP, is aiming to regain his influence in Gandhi Nagar. His political shifts between Congress and BJP will be a significant part of his campaign narrative.
Congress
Sandeep Dikshit
Constituency: New Delhi
Dikshit, son of former CM Sheila Dikshit, is contesting from New Delhi. Having served as an MP, his experience and his criticism of Kejriwal will be important themes in his campaign.
Alka Lamba
Constituency: Kalkaji
Lamba, a Congress leader with a history of switching between AAP and Congress, is aiming for a comeback in Kalkaji. Her past legal troubles and leadership in the All India Mahila Congress will influence her electoral prospects.
As Delhi heads into the 2025 elections, the battle is sure to be intense. AAP, BJP, and Congress have fielded formidable candidates across key constituencies, and the stakes are high. These elections will not only decide the political future of Delhi but also have a major impact on the country’s broader political landscape.
