Delhi Elections: BJP Announces First List of Candidates, Verma Takes on Kejriwal

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. BJP released its first list of 29 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
2. Parvesh Verma will contest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi.
3. Ramesh Bidhuri has been nominated to contest against Atishi from Kalkaji.
4. Former AAP ministers Kailash Gahlot and Raj Kumar Anand join BJP and secure tickets.
5. Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit will challenge Parvesh Verma in the high-profile New Delhi seat.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

1. BJP’s Strategy and Candidate List Unveiled

In a significant move ahead of the 2025 Delhi elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed its first batch of 29 candidates. This strategic selection is characterized by a blend of experienced BJP stalwarts and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders who have switched sides. Among the prominent names are Parvesh Verma and Kailash Gahlot, both former AAP ministers who have joined BJP and are given substantial positions in the party’s electoral lineup. With this list, BJP aims to appeal to diverse segments of Delhi’s electorate and strengthen its grip on key constituencies.

2. Parvesh Verma vs. Arvind Kejriwal: The High-Stakes Contest

Parvesh Verma, the son of the late Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, will take on the sitting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the high-profile New Delhi constituency. Verma, who has been accused by AAP of bribing voters with money, has dismissed these claims, calling them politically motivated. The AAP, in retaliation, filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Verma, further escalating the rivalry. This electoral battle in New Delhi has now become one of the most talked-about clashes in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

3. BJP’s Shuffling of Candidates: Changes to Tackle Delhi’s Electorate

Apart from Parvesh Verma, BJP also made a strategic move by nominating Ramesh Bidhuri, a prominent figure, against Atishi in Kalkaji. The Kalkaji seat has been a highly competitive one with Atishi, a key member of Kejriwal’s AAP team, having a strong political base in the constituency. Moreover, BJP has fielded former Congress leaders such as Arvinder Singh Lovely and Rajkumar Chauhan to capitalize on their political capital. These party-switchers are expected to make a significant impact, as they bring a different dimension to BJP’s campaign strategy.

4. Ticket Distribution and Representation of Various Factions

The BJP’s ticket distribution also includes several controversial picks, notably Kailash Gahlot, who switched from AAP to BJP. Gahlot, once a strong ally of Kejriwal, was vocal about his disappointment with the AAP’s divergence from its founding principles. His move to the BJP and subsequent ticket from Bijwasan is symbolic of the shifting political dynamics in Delhi. This election will also witness Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit challenging BJP’s Parvesh Verma, creating a significant competition for the seat.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• BJP’s first list for Delhi elections reveals key candidates, including Parvesh Verma challenging Kejriwal.
• Ramesh Bidhuri will compete against Atishi from Kalkaji, marking another prominent battle.
• BJP has shifted its strategies with candidates like Kailash Gahlot and Rajkumar Chauhan, both former AAP and Congress leaders.
• Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit will also play a key role in the battle for New Delhi seat.
• The electoral dynamics in Delhi continue to evolve as major shifts happen within the political parties.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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