Big win: Atishi holds the fort as AAP crumbles, broom sweeps out lotus in Kalkaji

New Delhi:

AAP’s lone bright spot, Delhi CM Atishi retains Kalkaji seat in a nail-biting contest, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri by a reduced margin. 

Atishi has barely managed to hold onto Kalkaji Assembly seat

In a high-stakes battle that mirrored AAP’s larger struggles in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi has barely managed to hold onto her Kalkaji Assembly seat. She defeated BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri by just over 3,500 votes, a stark contrast to her 2020 victory margin of 11,393 votes.  Her narrow win stands as one of the few silver linings for AAP in a disastrous election night, where party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and other senior leaders suffered shocking defeats.

A close call in Kalkaji: AAP vs. BJP vs. Congress

The contest in Kalkaji was among the most tightly fought races of the Delhi Assembly elections. The primary face-off was between Atishi and Bidhuri, while Congress' Alka Lamba failed to make a dent in the vote share.  

Bidhuri, a seasoned BJP leader, kept Atishi on edge throughout the counting process, making significant inroads into the constituency. The seat, once considered a stronghold for AAP, saw a clear shift in voter sentiment as BJP surged across the capital.  

Controversy over surname remark adds fuel to fire

The campaign trail in Kalkaji wasn’t just about development and governance it also saw personal attacks and heated exchanges. Ramesh Bidhuri courted controversy when he mocked Atishi for dropping her surname "Marlena" and suggested she had "changed her father."

His remarks sparked outrage, leading Atishi to hold a press conference where she accused BJP of indulging in personal smear tactics instead of real issues. Despite this controversy, Bidhuri gained traction, further tightening the race.  

Who is Atishi?

AAP’s rising star amidst Party’s Decline
Atishi has been one of AAP’s most prominent faces, known for her work in education reforms alongside Manish Sisodia. She first won the Kalkaji seat in 2020 and later rose through the ranks to become Delhi’s Chief Minister after Kejriwal resigned amid corruption allegations.   However, her narrow victory signals a major political challenge ahead as AAP fights to stay relevant in a BJP-dominated Delhi.  

Who is Ramesh Bidhuri?

The BJP Leader who nearly Pulled an upset
Bidhuri, a veteran BJP leader and two-time South Delhi MP, has deep roots in the party’s organizational structure. A three-time MLA from Tughlakabad, he is known for his stronghold in rural South Delhi politics. His aggressive campaign strategy nearly unseated Atishi, proving BJP’s growing influence in the capital.  

What Atishi’s win means for AAP

While Atishi has retained her seat, AAP’s overall performance paints a grim picture. The party has suffered major losses, including Kejriwal and Sisodia’s defeats, signaling a political crisis for the once-dominant Delhi force.  Now, as she steps into her second term, Atishi faces not just governance challenges but also rebuilding a crumbling party*.