Will Sandeep Dixit Become a Giant Killer by Defeating Kejriwal?

MS Shanker

As Delhi heads into the crucial Assembly elections on February 5, the political landscape is witnessing an intense battle among the three principal parties—Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress. The contest in the New Delhi Assembly constituency has drawn nationwide attention, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal facing one of the toughest challenges of his political career.

Kejriwal, who has held the New Delhi seat since 2013, is seeking a fourth consecutive term. However, his credibility has taken a hit due to the Delhi Excise Policy scam, which led to his brief imprisonment and conditional bail. With corruption allegations looming over his administration and several of his cabinet colleagues facing legal troubles, the election serves as a referendum on his leadership.

Challenging Kejriwal are BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dixit. Dixit, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, carries a strong political legacy. His mother won the seat in 1998 and went on to secure victories in 2003 and 2008, cementing her influence over Delhi’s political landscape. If Dixit manages to unseat Kejriwal, it would mark a significant political shift and signal the possible decline of AAP’s dominance in Delhi.

The New Delhi constituency has historically been a stronghold for influential leaders. In 1993, BJP’s Kirti Azad held the seat before the Congress, under Sheila Dixit’s leadership, took control. Kejriwal’s rise in 2013 marked a new chapter in Delhi’s politics, with AAP emerging as a formidable force against the BJP and Congress. However, with the party now facing multiple controversies, its grip on power appears more vulnerable than ever.

The BJP, riding on its recent victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections where Bansuri Swaraj defeated AAP’s Somnath Bharti by 78,370 votes, sees an opportunity to make inroads into the Delhi Assembly. Verma, a seasoned BJP leader, has been actively campaigning on issues of governance, corruption, and law and order.

New Delhi’s electorate has witnessed shifts over the years. In 2020, the constituency had 145,894 registered voters, with 79,795 male and 66,098 female voters. Kejriwal secured a landslide victory in the last two Assembly elections, winning with a margin of 21,697 votes in 2020 and a significant 64.14% vote share in 2015.

Despite his past successes, Kejriwal’s popularity has waned. The corruption allegations, coupled with internal party conflicts, have weakened his standing. Voters, particularly the middle-class and first-time electorate, may view this election as an opportunity for change.

The outcome of this election will have broader implications beyond Delhi. A defeat for Kejriwal could spell doom for AAP’s national ambitions and further bolster BJP’s strategy of eliminating regional challengers. The BJP has already weakened opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, and a victory in New Delhi would reinforce its dominance in yet another critical state.

Historically, even towering political figures have faced shocking defeats. Indira Gandhi, despite her stronghold in Rae Bareli, was unseated in 1977 following the backlash against the Emergency. Kejriwal now finds himself in a similar situation—facing public anger and a well-organized opposition.

As Delhi votes on February 5, all eyes will be on New Delhi’s electoral outcome, which will be declared on February 8. If Dixit emerges victorious, it will not only mark the return of Congress in Delhi’s political scene but also reshape the state’s power dynamics. Meanwhile, a BJP win would further accelerate its mission to dismantle AAP’s influence.

For Kejriwal, this election is not just about retaining his seat—it is a battle for political survival. The results will decide whether he continues as Delhi’s Chief Minister or if his party faces an existential crisis in the capital.