The battle for Kalkaji is heating up. This election features strong candidates from major parties, and the stakes are high. The race has already sparked plenty of discussion. While much of the focus is on the New Delhi constituency, where Arvind Kejriwal faces Sandeep Dikshit and Parvesh Verma, Kalkaji is also a seat drawing significant attention. Previously a Congress stronghold, Kalkaji was taken by AAP in 2015. In 2020, Atishi won by over 11,000 votes. However, this time around, the competition is expected to be much tougher.

Candidates Competing

AAP has chosen Atishi to defend her seat. In contrast, Congress has nominated Alka Lamba, a former AAP leader who joined Congress in 2019. The BJP has fielded veteran politician Ramesh Bidhuri to challenge the two women. With the candidates now clear, voters are wondering what each one offers. What has Atishi accomplished in her time representing Kalkaji? What are the key concerns for the voters this year?

Atishi’s Record (2020-2025)

When Atishi took over as Delhi’s education minister after Kejriwal resigned, it was a proud moment for the people of Kalkaji. However, the key question is whether her work has lived up to their expectations. Lata, a local resident facing hardship, remains supportive of Atishi. She said, “Atishi and Kejriwal are my choice. They give women free bus rides. We get everything thanks to Atishi.”

Young Voters’ Opinions

Young voters make up a large part of the electorate. For instance, Asif from Giri Nagar sees significant improvements in government schools. “Students are moving from private to government schools,” he explained. In addition to education reforms, Atishi has worked on various welfare policies. Despite these efforts, some critics argue that Kalkaji’s infrastructure still requires attention.

Opposition’s Criticism

The opposition has not held back. They argue that Atishi has neglected the development needs of Kalkaji. Congress leader Alka Lamba insists that her fight is centered on the area’s growth. On the other hand, BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri has criticized AAP for not delivering on its promises related to infrastructure.

Key Issues: Jobs and Housing

For many residents, employment and housing remain top priorities. Seema, who has struggled to find work for years, explains, “We live on the streets. Tenants still have to pay for everything, even though electricity and water are free.” Mukesh, another resident, shares a similar concern. “We need jobs and basic facilities to survive,” he said.

Campaign Promises

All the candidates have made bold promises. AAP’s ‘Kejriwal ki Guarantee’ and BJP’s ‘Vikasit Dilli Sankalp Patra’ lay out their visions for the city. Congress, meanwhile, promises free electricity and the ‘Pyari Didi Yojana.’ However, for many in Kalkaji, jobs and housing are the real issues that need addressing.

Support for Atishi

As the election day approaches, support for the candidates is divided. Seema, for example, is rooting for Ramesh Bidhuri to win. However, others, like Asif, believe Atishi has done a better job than Kejriwal himself. He remarked, “She listens and gets things done.”

Controversial Remarks

Atishi’s opponents have come under fire for controversial remarks. For instance, BJP has distanced itself from comments made about Atishi’s surname and gender. They have urged politicians to avoid personal and sexist comments, emphasizing the importance of respectful campaigning.

Election Day Approaches

With 1,94,515 registered voters, Kalkaji is undoubtedly a critical battleground. Voting takes place on February 5, with results set to be announced on February 8. The question remains: who will come out on top in Kalkaji this time?