Delhi Chief Minister Atishi filed her nomination for the upcoming assembly elections on Tuesday (January 14). She submitted her papers at the district magistrate’s (DM) office in Lajpat Nagar, signalling the start of her campaign for the Kalkaji constituency.
Atishi initially planned to file her nomination on Monday after a scheduled roadshow. However, delays caused by the event prevented her from reaching the DM’s office before the 3 PM deadline, according to a statement from an AAP leader. Despite this, her nomination process was completed smoothly on Tuesday.
Atishi said, “I have started my nomination rally. Today people from every corner of Kalkaji have come to support me because they know that if any work has been done, it has been done by the Aam Aadmi Party. The reason behind the enthusiasm seen today is the work done by Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal. This is the politics of work. On the other side is the politics of BJP which only abuses and Aam Aadmi Party asks for votes on the basis of work.”
Key Opponents in the Race
Atishi faces stiff competition from two prominent candidates: the BJP’s Ramesh Singh Bidhuri and the Congress’ Alka Lamba. Bidhuri, a seasoned politician and former Member of Parliament, has a strong track record, having won the Tughlakabad assembly seat in 2003, 2008, and 2013. Lamba, a former AAP member who joined the Congress in 2019, also brings significant experience to the contest.
Kalkaji constituency has a diverse voter base, with a total of 1,94,515 registered voters. This includes 1,06,893 male voters, 87,617 female voters, and 5 transgender voters, making it a significant battleground in the upcoming elections.
Key Dates for Delhi Assembly Elections
The 70-member Delhi Assembly is set to go to the polls on February 5. Election results will be announced on February 8, determining the future leadership of the national capital.
With Atishi filing her nomination, the stage is set for a highly competitive electoral battle in Kalkaji. The constituency’s diverse voter demographics and strong contenders from AAP, BJP, and Congress promise an exciting and closely watched race.
(With agency inputs)