The BJP has announced its first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, featuring heavyweights like Parvesh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri. As the AAP and Congress finalize their strategies, Delhi braces for an intense political showdown
BY PC Bureau
BJP Releases First List of Candidates for Delhi Assembly Elections; AAP and Congress Gearing Up for a Tough Fight
On January 4, the BJP announced its first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming 70-member Delhi Assembly elections. Prominent among the nominees is former MP Parvesh Verma, who will contest from New Delhi against AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The list also features former MP Ramesh Bidhuri, who has been nominated from Kalkaji, where AAP’s Chief Ministerial candidate Atishi is running. National office-bearers Dushyant Kumar Gautam and Ashish Sood will contest from Karol Bagh and Janakpuri, respectively. Other notable candidates include Arvinder Singh Lovely from Gandhi Nagar and former AAP leader Kailash Gahlot from Bijwasan. Former Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay has been fielded from Malviya Nagar.
Speculation is rife about a potential leadership change within the Delhi BJP unit ahead of the elections. Reports suggest the appointment of a working president from an SC, ST, or OBC community could be on the cards. This comes amid discussions of entrusting the state unit to “a senior leader from a significant community” following controversies during the Winter Session of Parliament related to Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Meanwhile, the AAP has finalized its candidates for all 70 Assembly constituencies, showcasing its readiness for the electoral battle. The Congress has so far announced candidates for 21 seats, with more names expected soon.
Since 2015, the AAP has held a dominant position in Delhi’s government, winning two consecutive Assembly elections with overwhelming victories. However, the party has struggled in Lok Sabha elections, failing to secure a seat since 2014. The upcoming elections are poised to be a fierce contest, with the BJP aiming to capitalize on its national strength and the AAP seeking to retain its regional stronghold.
Delhi | BJP releases its first list of the candidates for #DelhiElection2025
Parvesh Verma to contest from New Delhi assembly seat against AAP's Arvind Kejriwal; Dushyant Gautam from Karol Bagh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Rajouri Garden, Kailash Gehlot from Bijwasan, Arvinder… pic.twitter.com/jcvaW418U8
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2025
