BJP Releases First List of Candidates for 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. Key changes and high-profile contests mark the party’s initial strategy as it aims to challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the national capital.
Key Contests
- Parvesh Verma vs. Arvind Kejriwal: Former West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma has been fielded from the New Delhi constituency, where he will face AAP chief and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched battles in the elections.
- Ramesh Bidhuri vs. Atishi: Former South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri is set to contest against Delhi CM Atishi from Kalkaji, a significant shift in BJP’s approach to challenge AAP leadership in prominent constituencies.
- Kailash Gahlot from Bijwasan: Former AAP Minister Kailash Gahlot has been moved to contest from Bijwasan instead of his earlier constituency, Najafgarh.
Strategic Changes in Candidate Selection
- Gandhi Nagar Constituency: The BJP has replaced sitting MLA Anil Bajpayee with former Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely, signaling a strategic attempt to strengthen its position in the constituency.
- Delayed Announcements: The candidate list, initially expected in late December after a Central Election Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was delayed. According to party insiders, the delay was attributed to challenges in finding suitable candidates for certain constituencies.
State Leadership and Representation
The BJP is reportedly considering leadership changes within its Delhi unit. Speculation suggests that the state leadership might be handed over to a senior figure from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. This potential change aligns with the party’s strategy to appeal to a broader demographic base, especially in light of recent debates over Dr. BR Ambedkar during the Winter Session of Parliament.
Implications and Strategy
The BJP’s candidate list reflects a calculated approach to take on AAP’s stronghold in Delhi by fielding experienced leaders against prominent figures in the ruling party. The decision to drop incumbents like Anil Bajpayee and bring in high-profile names such as Arvinder Singh Lovely underscores the party’s focus on reshaping its image and building momentum ahead of the elections.
As the BJP gears up for a tough contest, further announcements and campaign strategies are expected to define its roadmap for reclaiming influence in the Delhi Assembly.