The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections, slated for 2025. The list, announced on January 4, 2025, includes 29 names. Among these are notable political figures, former Members of Parliament (MPs), and several new faces from different political backgrounds. The BJP’s selection of candidates reflects a strategic approach to target both high-profile seats and constituencies that will be key in securing victory.
Key Highlights of the BJP's Candidate List
The BJP's list for the Delhi Assembly Elections includes a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces. Among the 29 candidates, the party has fielded strong contenders for major constituencies, including 10 high-profile seats. Some of the most notable names on the list include Ramesh Bidhuri, Pravesh Verma, and Kailash Gehlot. The BJP has also strategically fielded leaders who have joined from other political parties, further solidifying their position in key areas.
High-Profile Contestants and Strong Seats
One of the most significant moves by the BJP is its decision to field Pravesh Verma against Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi Assembly seat. Verma’s candidacy brings added attention to one of the most contested seats, as Kejriwal has held the position for several terms. Similarly, Ramesh Bidhuri, a former MP, will contest from the Kalkaji seat, where he will face a tough competition from Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.
Other notable candidates include Arvinder Singh Lovely, who joined the BJP from Congress and is contesting from the Gandhi Nagar seat, and Kailash Gehlot, who switched from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to BJP and has been fielded from the Bijwasan seat. These political transitions are significant, as they mark BJP’s strategy to draw leaders from rival parties to strengthen its position in Delhi.
Party's Focus on Changing Candidates
The BJP has made several changes in its candidate list, with 16 new faces taking over previously held seats. While the BJP is looking to bring in fresh leadership, it has also retained 13 candidates who performed well in previous elections. This combination of change and continuity will likely influence the party's chances in the upcoming elections.
Representation of Women Candidates
For the first time, the BJP has included two women candidates in its list. Rekha Gupta has been fielded from Shalimar Bagh, while Kumari Rinku has been selected as the candidate for Seemapuri (Scheduled Caste). This move is expected to boost the party's appeal to female voters and enhance its representation in Delhi.
Comprehensive List of BJP Candidates for Delhi Assembly 2025
The BJP's comprehensive candidate list for Delhi is as follows:
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North-West Delhi: Raj Kumar Bhatia (Adarsh Nagar), Deepak Chaudhary (Badli), Kulwant Rana (Rithala), Manoj Shaukeen (Nangloi Jat).
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South Delhi: Gajendra Yadav (Mehrauli), Kartar Singh Tanwar (Chhatarpur), Khushi Ram Chunar (Ambedkar Nagar).
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East and South-East Delhi: Ramesh Bidhuri (Kalkaji), Narayan Dutt Sharma (Badarpur), Ravindra Singh Negi (Patparganj), Om Prakash Sharma (Vishwas Nagar), Anil Goyal (Krishna Nagar), Sardar Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar), Kumari Rinku (Seemapuri), Jitendra Mahajan (Rohtas Nagar), and Ajay Mahawar (Ghonda).
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Central and West Delhi: Ashok Goyal (Model Town), Dushyant Kumar Gautam (Karol Bagh), Raj Kumar Anand (Patel Nagar), Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Rajouri Garden), Ashish Sood (Janakpuri), Kailash Gehlot (Bijwasan).
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New Delhi Region: Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma (New Delhi), Sardar Tarvinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura), Satish Upadhyay (Malviya Nagar), Anil Sharma (RK Puram).
This wide range of candidates across constituencies reflects BJP's effort to cover all major regions in Delhi, with a particular focus on constituencies that will play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections.
BJP's Strategy to Ensure a Stronghold in Delhi
The BJP’s strategy for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 is evident in the careful selection of candidates. By fielding strong contenders against top rival leaders such as Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi, the party is positioning itself as a formidable opponent in the state. Furthermore, by bringing in leaders from Congress and AAP, BJP is not only securing experienced candidates but also disrupting the rival parties' influence in key constituencies. This list reflects the party's commitment to ensuring a strong presence in Delhi and making the upcoming elections highly competitive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BJP's first list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 presents a balanced combination of experienced leaders and fresh faces. The inclusion of strong contenders, former MPs, leaders from rival parties, and a focus on women’s representation will likely stir up the political landscape in Delhi. With significant changes and a few retained candidates, the party aims to capitalize on its strategic moves and strengthen its chances in what is expected to be a closely contested election.