BJP Announces 29 Candidates for Delhi Elections 2025, Set for High-Stakes Battles
NEW DELHI : In a bold move ahead of the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly elections in 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its first list of 29 candidates. The political landscape in Delhi is shaping up to be fiercely contested, with BJP pitting some of its top leaders against key rivals from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).
Among the standout announcements is the decision to field BJP’s Parvesh Verma from the New Delhi Assembly seat, where he will take on AAP’s national convener and incumbent Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. The contest is expected to be a defining battle of the election, as both leaders are among the most prominent faces in Delhi’s political scene.
Key Candidates and High-Profile Battles
The BJP’s candidate list for Delhi elections 2025 features a mix of experienced politicians and newer faces, all of whom will be fighting to secure seats in the crucial battlegrounds across the capital. Here are some of the high-profile matchups to look out for:
1. Parvesh Verma vs Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi
Parvesh Verma, a prominent BJP leader, has been fielded against Arvind Kejriwal in one of the most closely watched contests of the election. As Kejriwal seeks re-election from the prestigious New Delhi constituency, Verma’s candidacy is set to add another layer of excitement to the race. Verma, who has represented the West Delhi constituency, has built a reputation for his strong stances on national security and development issues. His campaign will likely focus on Kejriwal’s governance and policies as Chief Minister, offering voters an alternative vision for Delhi’s future.
2. Kailash Gahlot vs Surender Bharadwaj in Bijwasan
Kailash Gahlot, a former Transport Minister with the AAP, made headlines when he switched allegiance to BJP last month. In a significant move, Gahlot has been nominated from the Bijwasan Assembly seat, where he will face off against AAP’s Surender Bharadwaj. Gahlot’s transition from AAP to BJP is expected to energize BJP’s campaign in this region, as he brings with him years of experience in Delhi’s transport and urban planning sectors.
3. Dushyant Gautam and Manjinder Singh Sirsa in Key Delhi Seats
The BJP has also fielded Dushyant Gautam from Karol Bagh and Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Rajouri Garden. These constituencies have been traditional strongholds for the party, and Gautam’s nomination has already sparked significant discussions. Gautam, who is the Delhi BJP vice-president, has expressed confidence that BJP’s message of development, social welfare, and respect for Dr. BR Ambedkar will resonate with the voters.
Sirsa, another prominent BJP leader, will be seeking re-election from Rajouri Garden, where he has previously enjoyed strong support among local voters.
4. BJP Leader Ramesh Bidhuri to Contest Against Atishi in Kalkaji
Ramesh Bidhuri, a senior BJP leader, will contest the Kalkaji seat against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s close ally, Atishi, and Congress candidate Alka Lamba. Bidhuri’s entry into this high-stakes battle is a clear indication of the BJP’s commitment to challenging AAP’s dominance in Delhi’s legislative assembly. With Kalkaji being a mix of urban and rural voters, the contest promises to be an intense one.
Sandeep Dixit Joins the Fray for Congress
Meanwhile, in another notable development, Sandeep Dixit, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, has confirmed his candidacy for the New Delhi seat. Sandeep, who has served in various capacities within the Congress party, is seen as a strong contender against both Kejriwal and Verma. His entry is expected to bolster Congress’s presence in the region, offering voters a third option in a race that already involves two powerful political forces.
BJP’s Strategic Focus: Dalit Voters and Development
BJP’s Delhi leadership is emphasizing its focus on Dalit communities, with Dushyant Gautam noting that the party has earned the trust of Dalit voters due to Prime Minister Modi’s strong pro-Dalit stance and the party’s consistent support for Dr. BR Ambedkar’s legacy. Gautam’s statement reflects BJP’s broader strategy to consolidate support among marginalized communities, which has been a key aspect of its electoral appeal in recent years.
The BJP’s Delhi strategy also seems to lean heavily on the themes of development, governance, and national security. As the party rolls out its campaign across Delhi, it is expected to highlight these issues, positioning itself as the party best equipped to deliver results in the capital.
What to Expect in the Coming Months
With Delhi’s Assembly elections slated for 2025, the political temperature is expected to rise significantly over the next few months. As more candidates are announced and campaigns gather momentum, the contest between the BJP, AAP, and Congress will likely dominate headlines across the city. With key leaders like Parvesh Verma and Arvind Kejriwal facing off, voters can expect an election filled with heated debates, strategic alliances, and perhaps even surprises.
As BJP’s first list of candidates sets the stage for what is shaping up to be a thrilling election season, all eyes will remain on Delhi as the political drama unfolds in the months leading up to the vote.