Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 8: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati has announced that the party will contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections independently, asserting that the BSP is fully prepared to fight with strength and determination.
In a post on X, Mayawati welcomed the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission. "The general election for the Delhi Assembly will be held in one phase on February 5, 2025. BSP is fighting this election on its own strength with full preparation. It is expected that the party will perform well in this election," she stated.
Mayawati underscored the significance of elections in safeguarding democracy and reiterated the BSP’s commitment to championing the welfare of the poor and marginalized sections of society.
"Elections are the backbone of democracy. As a party focused on the upliftment of the oppressed, we urge the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, free from communalism and misuse of government machinery," she added.
The BSP leader also appealed to voters to make informed choices, urging them not to be influenced by extravagant promises from other parties.
"It is an appeal to voters to avoid being swayed by tempting promises. Vote wisely for BSP candidates who are dedicated to public welfare. This is in the best interest of the nation and the people," she said.
BSP Leaders Switch to AAP
Meanwhile, the BSP faced defections ahead of the elections. On Tuesday, former BSP leader Madan Mohan and his wife Sudeshwati joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of AAP MP Sanjay Singh. Earlier, Jasvir Singh Garhi, the former President of BSP's Punjab unit, also switched allegiance to AAP on January 1.
Election Dates Announced
The Election Commission has scheduled the Delhi Assembly elections for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17, followed by scrutiny on January 18. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until January 20.
Key Battles in the 2025 Delhi Polls
The political stage is set for intense contests across Delhi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former MP Parvesh Verma to challenge Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat. The Congress has put forward Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi CM Sheila Dixit, for the same constituency.
In the Kalkaji seat, BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri will face Delhi CM Atishi, while Congress has chosen former MLA Alka Lamba.
Party Performances
The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in recent years, failing to win a single seat in the last two Assembly elections. In contrast, the AAP emerged victorious in 2020, securing 62 out of 70 seats, leaving the BJP with just eight.
With the BSP entering the fray independently, the upcoming elections promise to be a multi-cornered contest.