As the Delhi Assembly elections draw closer, scheduled for February 5, 2025, the political battle in the capital has heated up. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched sharp attacks on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, branding him the “AAP-Da-e-Azam of Sheeshmahal” and calling for him to be “chased away.”
The BJP has accused AAP leaders of corruption and misgovernance, specifically citing the Delhi Excise Policy case. In a social media post on X, the Delhi BJP said in Hindi, “The people of Delhi have decided, AAP-Da-e-Azam of the Sheeshmahal has to be chased away.” The term “Sheeshmahal” is a dig at Kejriwal, referring to alleged lavish expenditures by the Delhi government.
The BJP expressed confidence in forming the next government with what it calls a “double-engine” administration—aligning Delhi’s governance with the party’s policies at the national level. BJP candidates are focusing their campaign on allegations of AAP’s mismanagement while presenting their vision for Delhi’s future.
In the high-profile New Delhi constituency, the BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma, former MP and son of ex-Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, to take on Arvind Kejriwal. Meanwhile, the Congress has entered the race with Sandeep Dixit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit.
For the Kalkaji constituency, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi of AAP will face a tough battle against BJP’s former MP Ramesh Bidhuri, while Congress has nominated former MLA Alka Lamba.
The Delhi Assembly election will be held in a single phase on February 5, with votes counted on February 8. Key dates in the electoral process include:
Last date for filing nominations: January 17
Scrutiny of nominations: January 18
Withdrawal of candidature: January 20
The elections are shaping up to be a three-way contest among the ruling AAP, BJP, and Congress. AAP, which swept the 2020 elections by winning 62 of the 70 seats, faces a resurgent BJP aiming to improve on its previous tally of eight seats. Meanwhile, Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years before its decline, is seeking a revival after failing to win a single seat in the last two assembly polls.
Despite the BJP’s attacks, AAP is campaigning on its governance track record, highlighting achievements in education, healthcare, and public services. The party aims to counter the BJP’s corruption allegations by emphasizing its developmental policies and grassroots connect.
With the stage set for a fierce electoral battle, all eyes are on Delhi to see which party will emerge victorious in this crucial assembly election.