NEW DELHI: The Kalkaji constituency in Delhi is set to witness a high-profile electoral battle in the 2025 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Aatishi Marlena, a Rhodes Scholar from Oxford and a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, will go head-to-head with BJPโs Ramesh Bidhuri, a seasoned politician whose controversial remarks have frequently sparked public debates.
Aatishi, who assumed the role of Delhiโs Chief Minister in September 2024 after Arvind Kejriwalโs resignation, is campaigning to retain her seat in Kalkaji. Her academic credentials, coupled with her administrative experience, have earned her widespread recognition. Aatishi has also criticized the BJP for its divisive politics and alleged neglect of local issues.
Ramesh Bidhuri, BJPโs candidate for Kalkaji, is a seasoned politician with a strong voter base. However, his career has been overshadowed by controversies, most notably his use of communal slurs, including the term โkatua,โ in Parliament in 2023, which drew widespread condemnation.
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Despite the backlash, Bidhuri remains a significant figure in Delhiโs political landscape. Bidhuri is leveraging the Modi governmentโs achievements, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission, to appeal to voters. He has also accused AAP of corruption and inefficiency, referencing the excise policy controversy that led to Kejriwalโs resignation.
Kalkaji, a vibrant and diverse constituency in South Delhi, faces challenges such as infrastructure gaps, water shortages, and unemployment. Both candidates are vying to address these issues and win the trust of the voters.
Aatishiโs campaign promises include upgrading schools, improving healthcare, and ensuring clean water and electricity for all residents. On the other hand, Bidhuri is focusing on highlighting the BJPโs nationalistic vision and developmental schemes.ย
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The Kalkaji contest is more than just a local battle; it is a litmus test for AAPโs governance model and BJPโs nationalistic agenda. A victory for Aatishi would reaffirm AAPโs dominance in Delhi and strengthen her position as a progressive leader. For the BJP, a win for Bidhuri would challenge AAPโs stronghold and bolster the partyโs influence in the capital.
The Kalkaji battle is shaping up to be one of the most watched contests in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. The clash between Aatishi and Bidhuri symbolizes a broader ideological conflict and offers voters a choice between progressive governance and nationalistic rhetoric.
