9 February 2025
The political scene in Kalkaji, ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, is heating up with Congress candidate Alka Lamba firing potent allegations at both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an exclusive chat with NDTV, Lamba didn't hold back. Her criticisms were centered around the failings of the AAP and the controversial tactics of the BJP, making it clear that the battle for Kalkaji is no mere electoral formality but a high-stakes political contest.
Criticism Against AAP and Atishi
Lamba specifically targeted Atishi, the AAP’s candidate and current Delhi Chief Minister, accusing her of falling short in serving the voters of Kalkaji. According to Lamba, Atishi is perceived by many in the community as leaning heavily on the reputation of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal instead of her own political accomplishments. The Congress candidate maintained that dissatisfaction among Kalkaji's residents is rampant, with many feeling that their needs and issues have been overlooked.
She painted a picture of a constituency that feels neglected, stating that Atishi’s tenure has been marked by inaction and unmet promises. These allegations aim to harness voter discontent into tangible support for Congress during the upcoming election.
BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri in the Crosshairs
Not stopping at AAP, Lamba launched an equally strong critique of BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri. She accused him of trying to manipulate the electorate with money and power. Furthermore, she criticized his past remarks about women, calling the BJP's stance 'anti-women'. These pointed remarks have likely intensified the rivalry in Kalkaji, sparking further debate over the ethics and equity of campaign strategies.
Lamba expressed unwavering confidence in reclaiming Kalkaji for Congress, attributing possible success to the party’s longstanding developmental contributions to the area. She claims that a revitalization for Congress is already in motion, crediting support from popular figures such as Rahul Gandhi who have actively championed her campaign.
In addition, Lamba made bold predictions about the political future in Delhi, forecasting not just setbacks for AAP in Kalkaji but also broader defeats for notable party figures like Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi herself. Lamba insists that Congress is positioned to regain some of the political ground it has lost in recent years within the capital.
This brewing political storm in Kalkaji reflects the district’s status as a 'swing' constituency, one that could potentially transition from AAP back to Congress. This evolving dynamic underscores the fierce and competitive nature of Delhi's political landscape, especially amidst looming elections.
