The race for the Delhi Assembly is heating up as Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced that the elections will be held on February 5, with votes counted on February 8. There are important dates to remember: nominations can be filed until January 17, reviewed on January 18, and can be withdrawn by January 20.
This election features a three-way competition between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress. AAP has named its candidates for all 70 assembly seats, while the BJP and Congress have announced some of theirs.
Why This Election Matters
In the last Lok Sabha election, AAP and Congress teamed up to win a combined 43.1% of the votes. However, they usually run separately. History shows AAP’s popularity has grown since it first competed in 2013, while Congress’s support has dropped significantly. For example, in 2013, AAP received 29% of the votes and won 28 seats. In contrast, Congress’s vote share fell to 4.3% in 2020.
Although BJP’s votes increased from 33.1% in 2013 to 38.5% in 2020, they won only 8 seats in the last election down from 31 in 2015. Recently, in Lok Sabha polls, they outperformed both AAP and Congress combined.
Key Candidates to Watch
Some big names are on the ballot, including AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal running in New Delhi against Sheila Dikshit’s son, Sandeep (Congress), and Sahib Singh Verma’s son, Parvesh (BJP). Kejriwal has won this seat in three consecutive elections, so it will be competitive.
Chief Minister Atishi is running in Kalkaji, facing Alka Lamba from Congress and Ramesh Bidhuri from BJP. Both Lamba and Bidhuri are experienced candidates, presenting a challenge for Atishi.
In Jangpura, Manish Sisodia of AAP faces BJP’s Tarvinder Singh Marwah and Congress’ Farhad Suri. Sisodia is newer to this area compared to Marwah, who previously served there.
What the Parties Are Aiming At
AAP is going solo without teaming up with Congress, suggesting they are confident. BJP is hoping to gain from public discontent with AAP, while Congress sees an opportunity to capitalize on anti-establishment feelings against both AAP and BJP. Congress has introduced a plan to give 2,500 rupees a month to women if they win.
Meanwhile, the BJP is criticizing AAP for various issues, leveraging incidents during the pandemic to gain voters’ trust. Prime Minister Modi is personally rallying support with new housing and transportation projects.
In response, AAP is promising various benefits, like monthly stipends for temple priests and financial help for women from low-income families. They are also focused on healthcare services for people over 60.
As the elections draw closer, the major political parties will need to secure support from voters who are looking for answers to pressing issues.
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