The political temperature in Delhi is heating up as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress gear up for the high-stakes 2025 Assembly elections. Among the 70 constituencies, several have emerged as battlegrounds due to their historical significance, demographic diversity, and prominent candidates. The elections will be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. Here’s a closer look at the key constituencies and the factors shaping their electoral dynamics.
New Delhi
The New Delhi constituency is once again at the center of attention as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal aims for his fourth consecutive term. Kejriwal, who secured a commanding 21,687-vote margin in 2020, faces stiff competition this time. BJP’s Parvesh Verma, known for his combative campaigns, and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit, who carries forward the legacy of the Dikshit family, are vying for the seat. Kejriwal’s track record of welfare schemes like free electricity and water will be tested against his opponents’ promises.
Malviya Nagar
AAP’s Somnath Bharti has consistently dominated Malviya Nagar, securing over 50% of the vote share in the last three elections. His grassroots connect and local development initiatives have fortified his position. However, BJP’s seasoned leader Satish Upadhyay and Congress’ Jitendra Kumar Kochar are campaigning aggressively to break AAP’s hold on this key urban constituency.
Ballimaran
Known for its significant Muslim population, Ballimaran has traditionally been a bastion for Muslim leaders. AAP’s Imran Hussain, banking on his grassroots network, is seeking re-election. His primary challengers are Congress veteran Haroon Yusuf, a familiar face in Delhi’s politics, and BJP’s Kamal Bagri, who is working to consolidate non-Muslim votes. This contest is expected to hinge on community outreach and alliances.
Rohini
Rohini has earned a reputation for close electoral battles, with margins often as narrow as 5,000 votes. BJP’s Vijender Gupta, a two-time winner, is looking to retain his seat after a 12,000-vote margin victory in 2020. AAP’s Pradeep Mittal, however, poses a strong challenge by focusing on welfare initiatives and extensive door-to-door campaigns.
Shakur Basti
In Shakur Basti, AAP’s Satyendar Jain, a prominent leader and minister, is emphasizing his contributions to health and infrastructure. His opponent, BJP’s Karnail Singh, associated with the party’s temple cell, is rallying voters through religious and cultural appeals. This contest is a litmus test for Jain’s governance credentials.
Patparganj
Traditionally an AAP bastion represented by Manish Sisodia, Patparganj sees a new face this election with AAP fielding Awadh Ojha, a teacher-turned-politician. He faces BJP’s Ravinder Singh Negi and Congress’ Anil Chaudhary in a constituency known for alternating loyalties. This race could indicate broader voter sentiment in East Delhi.
Kalkaji
Kalkaji promises to be a hotly contested seat. AAP’s Atishi Singh, known for her work in education and development reforms, is up against Congress’ Alka Lamba and BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri. With over 190,000 voters, Kalkaji will test the efficacy of AAP’s governance model against the traditional appeal of BJP and Congress.
Jangpura
Jangpura sees AAP’s Manish Sisodia making his debut in the constituency, replacing the outgoing candidate. He faces Congress’ Tarvinder Singh Marwah and BJP’s Farhad Suri, both seasoned politicians. This strategic move to rotate candidates aims to combat anti-incumbency but raises questions about whether Sisodia can replicate his predecessor’s 15,000-vote margin.
Okhla
Okhla remains a politically significant constituency, represented by AAP’s Amanatullah Khan. Seeking his third term, Khan has a strong track record, with landslide victories in 2015 and 2020 by over 60,000-vote margins. Congress’ Ariba Khan, however, is working to re-establish the party’s foothold in the area. The constituency’s diverse demographics make it a closely watched race.
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be an intense political showdown, with key constituencies playing a decisive role in the outcome. The battle lines are drawn, and with heavyweight candidates and close contests across the capital, all eyes will be on Delhi as it gears up for this crucial electoral fight.
