
Key Highlights:
- Nomination Deadline: Today, January 17, marks the final day for filing nominations for Delhi’s 70 assembly seats.
- Election Timeline: Voting on February 5; results on February 8.
- BJP’s Candidate List: Party announces all 68 candidates; two seats allocated to allies JD(U) and LJP (Ram Vilas).
- Total Nominations Filed: 841 candidates submitted nominations for the elections.
- Election Commission Preparedness: Focus on free, fair, and accessible voting with tight security and adequate facilities.
New Delhi: As the nomination process for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 concludes today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalized its candidate roster for 68 out of 70 assembly seats. The party announced its fourth and final list on January 16, naming Shikha Rai for the Greater Kailash constituency and Anil Vashisht for Babarpur.
Rai will face a tough contest against AAP leader and minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, while Vashisht will challenge Gopal Rai, a key figure in the AAP government.
Alliances and Seat Distribution
The BJP has left two seats for its allies. The Janata Dal (United) has fielded Shailendra Kumar from Burari, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allocated the reserved Deoli constituency. The LJP is yet to announce its candidate.
In the previous elections, LJP contested from the Seemapuri seat but has now shifted focus to Deoli.
Nomination Details and Candidate Stats
This year’s elections have seen significant interest, with 841 nominations filed across the 70 assembly constituencies. Last Thursday alone witnessed 500 candidates submitting their papers, showcasing the competitive spirit of this year’s race.
Election Timeline and Preparations
The Election Commission has announced the following timeline:
- Voting: February 5, 2025
- Counting of Votes: February 8, 2025
To ensure a smooth electoral process, the Election Commission has put robust measures in place:
- Security: Enhanced arrangements at polling stations.
- Facilities: District officials instructed to provide essential amenities, including ramps, drinking water, and toilets, at polling centers.
BJP’s Election Strategy
The BJP’s candidate announcement strategy highlights its focus on challenging AAP strongholds. By fielding Shikha Rai and Anil Vashisht against prominent AAP leaders, the party is signaling its intent to reclaim key constituencies.
The party had earlier released three lists: two comprising 29 candidates each and a third featuring a single candidate. By collaborating with JD(U) and LJP, BJP aims to consolidate its position and appeal to a broader voter base.
With the stage set and candidates finalized, Delhi is gearing up for a high-stakes electoral battle. As AAP defends its governance record, BJP’s aggressive campaigning and strategic alliances may prove pivotal in shaping the capital’s political landscape. The countdown to February 5 begins!