The Kalkaji Assembly constituency, named after the iconic Kalkaji Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, is set to witness a high-stakes political showdown as all three major parties field formidable candidates. This constituency, which holds a strategic position in Delhi politics, will be a critical battleground in the upcoming elections.
Candidates in the Fray
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has once again placed its trust in incumbent Chief Minister Atishi, who currently represents the Kalkaji seat. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), determined to reclaim the constituency, has nominated two-time former South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri. Meanwhile, the Congress has fielded Alka Lamba, President of the All India Mahila Congress, in its bid to regain political relevance in the area.
Kalkaji: A Key Constituency in South Delhi
Kalkaji was carved out as a constituency in 2008 during the delimitation process and falls under the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat. This parliamentary segment also includes nine other constituencies: Bijwasan, Sangam Vihar, Ambedkar Nagar, Chhatarpur, Deoli, Tughlakabad, Palam, Badarpur, and Mehrauli.
The area’s demographic diversity adds a layer of complexity to its electoral dynamics. Kalkaji is home to a mix of affluent businesspeople and economically weaker sections. The constituency boasts significant voter blocs, with Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Punjabis forming 27% and 22% of the electorate, respectively. Scheduled Castes (SC) make up 12%, followed by Pandit voters (8%), Sikh and Vaishya voters (7%), and Muslim and Gujjar voters (3%).
According to the Election Commission of India, Kalkaji has 1,94,515 registered voters, with male voters (1,06,893) outnumbering female voters (87,617).
Past Electoral Trends
Kalkaji has been a political hotspot in Delhi since 1993, witnessing seven assembly elections. The Congress has won the seat thrice, while the AAP has claimed it twice. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP have each secured one victory.
In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, Atishi of the AAP triumphed with 55,897 votes, defeating BJP’s Dharmveer, who secured 44,504 votes. Congress candidate Shivani Chopra lagged far behind with only 4,965 votes. Earlier, in 2015, AAP’s Avtar Singh won with 55,104 votes, followed by BJP’s Harmeet Singh Kalka (35,335 votes) and Congress’ Subhash Chopra (13,552 votes).
Despite AAP’s recent dominance in Kalkaji, the BJP has maintained a stronghold in the South Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, winning eight of the last nine parliamentary elections. Ramesh Bidhuri, who secured decisive victories in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, is now tasked with challenging Atishi in her home turf.
Key Issues in Kalkaji
Residents of Kalkaji have voiced several pressing civic concerns ahead of the elections. In the Govindpuri ward, poorly maintained by-lanes often flood during the monsoon, posing severe commuting challenges. “Walking through the streets becomes hazardous, especially for children and senior citizens,” said a local resident.
Encroachment is another significant issue plaguing the area. Street vendors frequently occupy roadside spaces, causing traffic congestion. “The problem worsens when people park their vehicles on already narrow roads. Despite multiple complaints to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken,” lamented a resident.
The Road Ahead
As Kalkaji gears up for one of its most fiercely contested elections, the stakes are high for all parties. For AAP, retaining the seat is crucial to cement its dominance in Delhi. The BJP, on the other hand, sees this as an opportunity to regain lost ground, with Ramesh Bidhuri leading the charge. Congress, under Alka Lamba’s leadership, aims to revive its fortunes in a constituency it once controlled.
With its rich history and complex demographic landscape, Kalkaji remains a microcosm of Delhi’s political and social fabric. As the campaign heats up, voters will be closely watching how the candidates address their concerns, especially regarding civic infrastructure, encroachment, and traffic congestion.
This high-octane battle promises to not only shape the future of Kalkaji but also provide key insights into the broader electoral trends in Delhi.
