New Delhi [India], January 14 : Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate for the Kalkaji Assembly seat, Atishi, filed her nomination for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5. She submitted her nomination at the District Election Office.
Atishi is contesting against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’ Alka Lamba for the Kalkaji seat. In the 2020 Assembly elections, Atishi successfully defeated BJP’s Dharambir Singh by a margin of over 10 percent.
Speaking to the media after filing her nomination, Atishi expressed gratitude to the people of Kalkaji, saying, “On the occasion of Makar Sankranti today, I have filed my nomination, and I hope that, just as I have received love from the people of Kalkaji before, I will continue to receive the same in the future.”
Atishi also addressed the FIR filed against her for alleged Model Code of Conduct violations, criticizing the Election Commission for its inaction regarding BJP candidate Parvesh Verma’s controversial actions. “The whole country saw Parvesh Verma distributing money. Women came on TV saying they were given Rs 1,100 to press the lotus button. The Election Commission has not seen any violation in this, while an FIR has already been filed against me without any investigation,” she said.
Atishi’s comments follow her party’s repeated appeals to the Election Commission to ensure a fair election process, while investigations continue against Verma.
Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a roadshow with former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in support of Atishi’s candidacy. At 43, Atishi made history as the third woman to serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
Atishi became Chief Minister on September 22, 2024, after Kejriwal resigned in the wake of legal challenges. Kejriwal has since stated he would only return to office with a renewed mandate and a “certificate of honesty” from Delhi voters in the 2025 Assembly elections.
The Delhi Assembly polls will be held on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8.