The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections have brought the New Delhi constituency into sharp focus, presenting a compelling contest that intertwines political legacies and contemporary governance challenges. Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister, is vying for re-election from this high-profile seat. His main adversaries are Parvesh Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sandeep Dikshit from the Indian National Congress (INC), both of whom carry the political heritage of their families.
Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey has been marked by significant achievements and controversies. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and a former Indian Revenue Service officer, Kejriwal transitioned into activism, earning the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his efforts in promoting transparency through the Right to Information Act. In 2012, he founded the AAP, aiming to address systemic issues in governance. His entry into politics was dramatic; in the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, he contested from the New Delhi constituency and defeated the incumbent Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, by a margin of over 25,000 votes. However, his initial tenure as Chief Minister was brief, lasting only 49 days. He returned to power in 2015 with a sweeping victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats, and was re-elected in 2020, winning 62 seats. His governance model, emphasizing free electricity, improved education, and healthcare services through initiatives like mohalla clinics, garnered widespread attention.
In March 2024, Kejriwal faced legal challenges when he was arrested on allegations related to corruption in Delhi’s liquor policy, making him the first sitting Chief Minister to be incarcerated. The AAP described the arrest as politically motivated, but the incident impacted his public image. After spending six months in custody, the Supreme Court granted him bail. Subsequently, in September 2024, he resigned from his position, appointing Atishi Marlena as his successor. Despite these setbacks, Kejriwal remains a significant figure in Delhi politics, contesting the 2025 elections from his traditional stronghold in the New Delhi constituency.
Parvesh Verma, representing the BJP, brings his own political lineage to the contest. He is the son of the late Sahib Singh Verma, who served as Delhi’s Chief Minister from 1996 to 1998. Parvesh Verma has been an active participant in Delhi’s political scene, having been elected as a Member of Parliament from the West Delhi constituency in 2014 and re-elected in 2019 with a record margin of over 578,000 votes. His campaign focuses on addressing local issues such as housing for slum dwellers, women’s empowerment, and improvements in health, education, and infrastructure. He has been vocal in his criticism of Kejriwal, accusing him of neglecting the New Delhi constituency and failing to fulfill promises made during previous terms.
Sandeep Dikshit, the Congress candidate, is the son of the late Sheila Dikshit, a three-term Chief Minister of Delhi. He has previously served as a Member of Parliament representing East Delhi from 2004 to 2014. His campaign seeks to revive the legacy of his mother, focusing on development and governance. Dikshit emphasizes the need for effective leadership and has criticized both the AAP and BJP for their approaches to governance in Delhi.
The New Delhi constituency holds significant political importance. Established in 1993, it encompasses key areas such as Connaught Place, the Lutyens’ Delhi zone, and several government offices. The electorate is diverse, including government officials, businesspersons, and residents of upscale neighborhoods, as well as populations from slum clusters. Historically, the constituency has been a bellwether for political trends in Delhi, often electing candidates who go on to hold significant positions in the state government.
In the 2025 election, early trends indicate a closely contested race in the New Delhi constituency. As of the latest reports, Arvind Kejriwal is trailing behind Parvesh Verma. The outcome of this election will have substantial implications for the political landscape of Delhi, potentially influencing the future trajectories of the AAP, BJP, and Congress in the region.
As the counting of votes progresses, all eyes remain on the New Delhi constituency, awaiting the final results that will determine the political fate of its high-profile candidates.
