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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, significantly shaping the political landscape of the capital. This list, containing 29 candidates, adds to the momentum already generated by the party's initial list, bringing the total number of announced candidates to 58 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. The announcement is a crucial step in the BJP's strategy for the February 5th election, where they aim to break their long drought of power in Delhi, last holding the reins in 1998. The party's performance in the 2015 and 2020 elections, where they secured only three and eight seats respectively, underscores the uphill battle they face against the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This second list reveals a strategic approach to candidate selection, reflecting the BJP's efforts to appeal to various segments of the electorate.
One of the most notable inclusions in the second list is Kapil Mishra, a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA who was disqualified from the party in 2019. His inclusion represents a significant shift in the political dynamics, as he replaces the incumbent Karawal Nagar MLA, Mohan Singh Bisht. This move highlights the BJP's willingness to incorporate prominent figures from rival parties, leveraging their political influence and name recognition to bolster their campaign. The selection of Mishra also signifies the BJP's strategy of targeting the AAP's voter base, attempting to peel away support through the recruitment of high-profile defectors. Furthermore, the list showcases the BJP's attention to dynastic politics, with the fielding of Harish Khurana, son of a former Delhi Chief Minister, from Moti Nagar. This mirrors the Congress's own strategy, with Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, also contesting the election. This aspect of the candidate selection process underscores the enduring influence of political families in the Delhi political landscape.
The second list also reveals the BJP's commitment to increasing women's representation. Five women have been included in this list, bringing the total number of women candidates fielded by the BJP to seven across both lists. This demonstrates a conscious effort by the BJP to address gender balance within their candidate selection, though the representation remains relatively low compared to the total number of seats. Among the notable female candidates are Deepti Indora from Matia Mahal and Neelam Pahalwan from Najafgarh. The party has also retained several sitting MLAs, indicating confidence in their performance and local influence. Abhay Verma from Laxmi Nagar is one such example. However, the replacement of two sitting MLAs suggests a process of reassessment and strategic adjustments based on the party's internal assessment of their electoral prospects. The list also includes a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers, reflecting the party's attempt to balance experience with fresh perspectives. Several candidates are former MLAs who have contested and lost in previous elections, indicating the party's long-term commitment to certain constituencies and their belief in these candidates' potential.
The inclusion of Karnail Singh, who will contest against AAP’s former Minister Satyendar Jain from Shakur Basti, signifies the BJP's targeting of high-profile AAP members. This directly challenges the AAP's established dominance in certain areas and reflects a strategy of aggressive campaigning. The list also features several sitting MCD councillors, including Gajendra Daral, who joined the BJP after winning as an independent candidate in the MCD polls from Mundka. This underscores the BJP's efforts to integrate successful local politicians into their assembly campaign, leveraging their grassroots connections and local popularity. The broad spectrum of candidates, encompassing figures from various backgrounds and political experiences, suggests a deliberate attempt to create a diverse and representative electoral slate. The inclusion of candidates with previous election experience, both successful and unsuccessful, speaks volumes about the party's long-term strategy and commitment to certain constituencies. This approach, while risky in some cases, demonstrates the BJP's calculated approach to candidate selection.
The BJP's renewed push in Delhi, after a significant period out of power, is driven by their ambition to secure a majority in the 70-member Assembly. This election is particularly important for the BJP given the long gap since their last tenure in Delhi (1998) and the challenge posed by the AAP's considerable popularity. The party is aware that this election is not just a contest for seats but a battle for political dominance in the capital. The strategy employed by the BJP, as evidenced by their candidate selection, appears to be multifaceted and geared towards maximizing their chances of success. Their approach of incorporating candidates with diverse backgrounds and political experiences, coupled with the inclusion of high-profile defectors and an increased emphasis on women's representation, reflects their comprehensive strategy to secure victory. With the AAP already having announced candidates for all seats and Congress having released 48 names, the stage is set for a fierce and closely contested election.
Source: BJP releases second list with 29 candidates for Delhi Assembly election