As Delhi gears up for Assembly elections early next year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly zeroed in on high-profile candidates, including sons of two former chief ministers and ex-Lok Sabha MPs, to secure a stronger foothold in the Capital. Sources reveal that while the party plans to re-nominate most of its seven incumbent MLAs, some significant reshuffling is on the cards to challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Battle for New Delhi: A Symbolic Contest
Among the most notable potential matchups is for the prestigious New Delhi constituency, a seat historically linked to Delhi?s chief ministers. BJP sources indicate that former West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma, son of late Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, is being considered for this high-stakes battle against AAP leader and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
The New Delhi seat has been a stronghold for Delhi?s top leaders since 1998. Congress stalwart Sheila Dikshit held the seat until 2013, followed by Kejriwal, who represented it from 2015. However, Kejriwal?s resignation earlier this year has opened the field for a critical political showdown.
Former CMs? Sons in the Fray
Another prominent name on the BJP?s list is Harish Khurana, son of late Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana. Khurana, currently the Delhi BJP secretary, is being considered for the Moti Nagar seat.
Veteran MPs in Key Contests
The BJP is also weighing the inclusion of seasoned leaders and ex-MPs for strategic seats. Former South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri is under consideration for Kalkaji, currently held by Delhi CM Atishi. Additionally, former New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi?s name has been floated for Greater Kailash or Kasturba Nagar, both prominent constituencies held by senior AAP leaders.
BJP national general secretary Dushyant Gautam, a former Rajya Sabha MP, is being considered for Karol Bagh, while Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva may contest from Vishwas Nagar or Kasturba Nagar. Former Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay is reportedly in contention for the Malviya Nagar seat.
Strategic Moves for Other Constituencies
Other potential candidates include Anil Sharma for RK Puram and former AAP minister Rajkumar Anand for Patel Nagar. These names, along with others, were deliberated during back-to-back meetings, including a State Election Committee gathering on Sunday.
Core Committee?s Final Call
While the names under discussion have created a buzz, sources caution that these are preliminary considerations. A senior BJP leader noted, ?The final list will be decided by the BJP?s national leadership. These names are frontrunners, but nothing is set in stone.?
BJP?s Mission: Unseating AAP
The BJP, which last won the Delhi Assembly elections in 1993, is aiming to challenge AAP?s dominance in the Capital. By fielding a mix of legacy candidates and seasoned leaders, the party hopes to turn the tide in its favor.
As the BJP prepares to finalize its candidates, the upcoming elections promise high-voltage political drama in Delhi?s key constituencies.
