The Kalkaji assembly seat in Delhi has turned into a fierce battleground, with the contest heating up between two major contenders—Atishi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Ramesh Bidhuri from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the election date nears, both parties are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to win over voters, making Kalkaji a focal point of political debates and public discourse.
BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri: A Controversial Challenger
Ramesh Bidhuri, a senior BJP leader in Delhi, is known for his outspoken and often controversial remarks. His latest comments directed at Atishi have only fueled the already intense election atmosphere. Bidhuri, a seasoned politician, is relying on his strong political base and experience as a former Member of Parliament from South Delhi to push his campaign forward.
In response, AAP has intensified its narrative against BJP, branding it as the ‘abusive party’ in its campaign messaging. AAP leaders claim that BJP’s politics revolves around personal attacks rather than governance, an accusation that has found resonance among some voters.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has fielded Alka Lamba as its candidate for the Kalkaji seat. While Lamba is a well-known face in Delhi politics, many experts believe that the real battle will be between AAP and BJP, with Congress struggling to make a significant impact.
Kalkaji Temple: A Central Election Issue
One of the most unexpected yet dominant issues in this election is the condition of the Kalkaji Temple, one of India’s most revered Shakti Peeths. Despite its religious significance, the temple has long suffered from neglect, poor sanitation, and mismanagement, leading to growing frustration among devotees and local residents.
Neelam Devi, a 60-year-old former shopkeeper near the temple, expressed her disappointment. “Our shops were demolished for reconstruction, but neither have we received new ones nor has the temple been properly rebuilt,” she lamented. Having voted for AAP in the last two elections, she now feels abandoned by the party she once supported.
Similarly, Radha, a resident from Gali No. 2, acknowledges Atishi’s work in improving roads, water supply, and electricity in the area but insists that fixing the temple should be a top priority. Even the temple priests have expressed dissatisfaction with AAP’s handling of the issue, calling their promises mere “election gimmicks.”
A Divided Electorate: Mixed Reactions from Voters
The voter sentiment in Kalkaji is deeply divided, with people holding contrasting views on the candidates and their parties. While many appreciate AAP’s welfare schemes, others dismiss them as unsustainable populism.
Dilip, a resident of Kalkaji Extension and an ardent supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, credits BJP for his improved living conditions. “We moved from slums to DDA flats because of Modi ji,” he said, adding that he refuses to accept AAP’s free schemes, though he does benefit from the central government’s free ration program.
On the other hand, Sarjeet, a long-time resident of Delhi, remains skeptical about AAP’s promises. “They talk about giving Rs. 2,100 to women, but did they fulfill this promise in Punjab? We don’t trust them,” he said. He also voiced concerns over inflation, pointing out that while electricity might be free, the cost of essential commodities like cooking oil has soared to Rs. 200 per liter.
Candidate Strategies: What’s at Stake?
Atishi: Banking on Performance and Welfare Schemes
Atishi, the incumbent MLA, is confident about her re-election, citing her track record of development work in the constituency. “The amount of work I’ve done in five years has never been done before,” she asserted. AAP’s campaign revolves around its governance achievements, particularly improvements in education, healthcare, and public services.
BJP’s Bidhuri: Criticizing ‘Disaster’ Governance
Ramesh Bidhuri, on the other hand, is positioning himself as the leader who can rescue Kalkaji from what he calls AAP’s “disaster governance.” He claims that people are fed up with AAP’s “false promises” and want a change. “Kalkaji will set the stage for BJP’s return in Delhi,” he confidently stated.
Congress’ Alka Lamba: Fighting an Uphill Battle
Congress candidate Alka Lamba is focusing her campaign on core issues such as clean water and pollution. However, political analysts believe that Congress’ relatively weak presence and lack of aggressive campaigning could make it difficult for her to pose a serious challenge to the two leading parties.
What Experts Say: A Neck-and-Neck Contest
Political analysts foresee a closely contested election between Atishi and Bidhuri. Journalist Vikrant Yadav pointed out that Bidhuri had begun his campaign preparations months in advance, which could work in his favor. However, Atishi’s credibility as an incumbent and her governance record might tilt the scales in her direction.
Another expert, Harshvardhan Tripathi, highlighted the role of voter demographics. Bidhuri is expected to garner strong support from the Punjabi and Gurjar communities, while Atishi is likely to receive backing from slum dwellers and beneficiaries of AAP’s welfare programs. Initially, Alka Lamba was seen as a potential game-changer, but Congress’ lackluster campaign has significantly weakened her influence.
Final Verdict: An Election Too Close to Call
As polling day approaches, the battle for Kalkaji remains too close to predict with certainty. Atishi’s development initiatives and her position as a sitting MLA might give her an edge, but Bidhuri’s aggressive campaign and BJP’s broader voter reach make him a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Congress’ struggle to stay relevant in the race makes it unlikely to disrupt the primary contest between AAP and BJP.
With both parties rallying their supporters and making their final pitches, the Kalkaji election is set to be one of the most intense and closely watched contests in Delhi. The outcome will not only decide the future of the constituency but could also serve as an indicator of the broader political mood in the capital.
