Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate Atishi on Tuesday filed her nomination for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Polls from the Kalkaji constituency. The elections are scheduled for February 5, with the counting of votes on February 8.
Atishi submitted her nomination at the District Election Office and is set to contest against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’ Alka Lamba in Kalkaji.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, Atishi secured a decisive victory from Kalkaji, defeating BJP’s Dharambir Singh by a margin of over 10%.
After filing her nomination, Atishi expressed optimism about her prospects, saying: “On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, I have filed my nomination. I hope to continue receiving the same love and support from the people of Kalkaji as I have in the past.”
Atishi also addressed an FIR filed against her for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). She accused the Election Commission (EC) of bias, highlighting incidents involving BJP leader Parvesh Verma, who was accused of distributing money and goods.
“The whole country saw Parvesh Verma distributing money. Women openly stated they were given ₹1,100 to vote for the BJP. He later claimed he was distributing glasses at a health camp and bedspreads with his name. Despite clear violations, the EC has taken no action against him. However, an FIR was filed against me without any investigation,” Atishi alleged.
She reaffirmed her faith in the Election Commission’s assurances of a fair election while expressing concerns about ongoing investigations.
Atishi, 43, became Delhi’s third woman Chief Minister on September 22, 2024, following Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. Kejriwal stepped down after submitting his resignation to Delhi LG VK Saxena amid legal troubles linked to the excise policy case.
Kejriwal stated that he would return to the post only if he secured a renewed public mandate and a “certificate of honesty” from Delhi’s electorate. Atishi assumed leadership after being named as his successor by the AAP.
On Monday, Atishi participated in a roadshow with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, marking a significant moment in her campaign.
The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections are expected to be a closely watched contest, with AAP aiming to retain its stronghold in the capital.