Kalkaji Vidhan Sabha Seat Analysis
The Kalkaji Assembly constituency, part of the South Delhi Lok Sabha segment, is politically significant, especially as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi, currently represents this seat. With Atishi facing Congress candidate Alka Lamba in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, the stage is set for a close contest. While the BJP has yet to announce its candidate, questions arise about how much of a challenge the Congress and BJP can pose to the incumbent Chief Minister. Notably, Congress has faced defeats in the last three elections but has historical strength on this seat, winning it consecutively under Subhash Chopra between 1998 and 2008.
AAP’s Hold Since 2015: The CM in the Fray
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) first captured the Kalkaji seat in the 2015 elections when Avtar Singh defeated BJP’s Harmeet Singh Kalka by securing 55,104 votes against Kalka’s 35,335. In 2020, Atishi took the reins, defeating BJP’s Dharambir by a margin of 11,393 votes, with Atishi garnering 55,897 votes compared to Dharambir’s 44,504. This time, AAP has once again fielded Atishi, banking on her strong hold over the constituency.
BJP’s Prospective Candidates: Ramesh Bidhuri in Focus
The BJP is pulling out all stops to win this seat, with speculation rife that former South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri may be fielded. Alongside Bidhuri, the names of BJP councilors Rajpal Singh, Manpreet Kaur, and Yogita Singh have also been floated, but no official confirmation has been made yet.
List of MLAs from Kalkaji Assembly Constituency
| Year | Candidate | Party | Total Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Atishi | AAP | 55,897 |
| 2015 | Avtar Singh | AAP | 55,104 |
| 2013 | Harmeet Singh Kalka | BJP | 30,683 |
| 2008 | Subhash Chopra | INC | 38,360 |
| 2003 | Subhash Chopra | INC | 35,721 |
| 1998 | Subhash Chopra | INC | 29,948 |
| 1993 | Purnima Sethi | BJP | 22,468 |
| 1972 | V.P. Singh | INC | 24,570 |
Congress’s Hat-Trick and AAP’s Dominance
The Congress holds the distinction of securing three consecutive wins on this seat between 1998 and 2008 under Subhash Chopra. The AAP has since dominated, winning twice, while the BJP managed only one victory, in 2013. Notably, Shiromani Akali Dal’s Harmeet Singh Kalka also triumphed in 2013. BJP, however, has consistently finished second in five elections.
The Political Dynamics of Kalkaji
Kalkaji’s voter base is heavily influenced by Dalit and Punjabi communities, which often play a decisive role. The AAP has overshadowed its rivals in the last two elections, leveraging its grassroots appeal. However, before AAP’s emergence, the Congress held sway for three consecutive terms. The BJP, despite its sporadic success, remains a formidable force in the race.
What Lies Ahead?
The Kalkaji constituency is set for an intriguing electoral battle. Will Atishi’s established leadership and the AAP’s dominance prevail, or can Alka Lamba revive Congress’s fortunes? Meanwhile, the BJP’s eventual candidate could further alter the dynamics of this high-stakes contest.
