New Delhi – The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), led by Mayawati, has announced that it will contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections independently. Mayawati declared her party’s preparedness and determination to make a significant impact in the elections scheduled for February 5, 2025, which will be held in a single phase.
In a post on the social media platform X, Mayawati stated, “On February 5, 2025, the Delhi Assembly general election will be conducted in one phase. We applaud the Election Commission’s statement in this respect. The BSP is fighting this election independently, well prepared and strong. In this election, it is anticipated that the party would do well.”
Focus on Marginalized Communities
Mayawati emphasized the BSP’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged and marginalized groups, underlining the party’s role in addressing their concerns. She stressed the importance of democratic processes, saying, “Elections are the backbone of democracy, and as a party dedicated to the upliftment of the marginalized, we expect the Election Commission to ensure that these elections are free from communalism and other negative influences, including the misuse of government machinery.”
A Call for Sensible Voting
Urging voters to act responsibly, Mayawati said, “This is a call to voters to exercise caution while casting their ballots and to support only BSP party candidates who are committed to the public interest and welfare, rather than being influenced by any party’s alluring promises. This is where the public and national interest lies and is safe.”
Electoral Dynamics in Delhi
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set February 5 as the polling date, with results to be announced on February 8. Key dates in the election schedule include:
- Last date for filing nominations: January 17
- Scrutiny of nominations: January 18
- Last date for withdrawal of candidacy: January 20
The upcoming elections are poised to witness a multi-cornered contest involving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and now the BSP.
Challenges for Major Contenders
- AAP: The AAP, which won 62 of the 70 seats in the 2020 elections, is campaigning on its achievements in education, health, and infrastructure.
- BJP: The BJP, seeking to regain its footing in Delhi, has accused the AAP of corruption and poor governance. The party has fielded Parvesh Verma to contest against AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat.
- Congress: The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years but has failed to secure any seats in the last two elections, is aiming for a comeback with candidates like Sandeep Dikshit and Alka Lamba.
Defections and Political Realignments
The political landscape has been further complicated by recent defections. Former BSP leaders Madan Mohan and his wife Sudeshwati joined the AAP earlier this week, while Jasvir Singh Garhi, the former president of the BSP’s Punjab chapter, joined the AAP on January 1.
Key Battlegrounds
Prominent contests include:
- New Delhi Seat: Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) vs. Parvesh Verma (BJP) and Sandeep Dikshit (Congress).
- Kalkaji Seat: Atishi (AAP) vs. Ramesh Bidhuri (BJP) and Alka Lamba (Congress).
The Road Ahead
While the AAP aims to secure a third consecutive term, the BJP and Congress are vying to regain relevance in the capital’s political sphere. Meanwhile, the BSP’s entry adds a new dimension, particularly in constituencies with significant Dalit and marginalized voter bases.
With just weeks left before the elections, political parties are intensifying their campaigns to sway voters. The BSP’s decision to run independently reflects its resolve to emerge as a formidable force in Delhi politics. Whether this strategy will yield significant electoral gains remains to be seen.
