A Triangular Fight to Wrest Power in Kalkaji

The Kalkaji assembly constituency has emerged as perhaps one of the most anticipated contests in the Delhi elections — it has become a political battlefield bearing witness to the collision of ambition, controversy, and legacy.

- Alok KN Mishra and Paras Singh

NEW DELHI: The contest for the seat has become a high-stakes showdown that has captivated the city and dominated headlines in the run-up. With Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and chief minister Atishi fighting to retain her seat against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress firebrand Alka Lamba, Kalkaji has become a litmus test for the future of Delhi's politics.

All eyes are on this seat, where each candidate's campaign has been marked by sharp exchanges, provocative rhetoric, and bold promises. The fight for Kalkaji isn't merely about a seat in the assembly — it's a referendum on the city's governance, ideology, and the ability to bridge its socio-economic divides.

A Stage Set for Drama

At the heart of this contest lies Atishi — made CM due to Arvind Kejriwal's resignation. She's battling not just to retain her seat but also to uphold her party's legacy in a constituency it has dominated for two consecutive terms. Kalkaji, a once-loyal Congress stronghold, swung decisively toward the AAP in 2015 and then in 2020.

However, with the BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and the Congress's Alka Lamba on the prowl, the outcome this time is far from certain.

Bidhuri's incendiary remarks in the run-up to the elections, and Atishi's focus on welfare schemes have set the tone for a bitter campaign.

Meanwhile, Lamba, a political stalwart, has positioned herself as the alternative voice against what she terms the "polarising antics" of the AAP and the BJP.

Unique Landscape