Delhi Polls: For a political party, venturing into new electoral territory is often driven by a mix of hope and strategy. As Delhi’s Assembly Elections approach, the stage is predominantly set for the familiar contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). From BJP’s attacks on the ruling AAP to the latter’s sharp criticism of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, the political battlefield is rife with allegations and counter-allegations.
Amid this intense tussle, smaller regional parties have quietly entered the fray, determined to make their presence felt in the capital. Despite their robust base in specific regions, these parties have had limited visibility in Delhi. Now, several of them are aiming to capitalise on the electoral momentum, striking while the iron is hot.
Also read: Delhi polls | BJP will win at least 40 seats in Delhi: Kailash Gahlot
Making inroads: Regional players’ strategies
Just days before the deadline to file nominations, BJP allies Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) secured constituencies in Delhi. The LJP (RV), a prominent political force in Bihar, will contest from Deoli, while JD(U) has been allotted Burari. AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has also stepped into the arena, presenting itself as an alternative in Muslim-majority constituencies.
The NCP, buoyed by its success in Maharashtra, is taking a different route. Unlike its counterparts, it has decided to contest independently in Delhi, fielding candidates in 30 constituencies. While alliances remain the backbone of some parties’ strategies, others are focusing on solo campaigns to carve their own identity in the capital.
Nationalist Congress Party: Building a base
Inside the NCP office in Delhi, preparations are in full swing. Hoardings and banners reflect the party’s intent to make a mark in the city’s political scene. Brijmohan Shrivastav, the National General Secretary, explained their approach: “Out of the 70 seats, we are contesting 30. The point is not to win every seat but to establish a base. In previous elections from 2013 to 2020, we failed to strategise effectively. This time, we are better prepared.”
Delhi Pradesh President Virender Singh added, “We’ve appointed 14 secretaries across districts to connect with voters. Their task is to make people aware of our presence and identify local issues. Our primary aim is to be recognised by voters.”
The NCP has also mobilised its various wings—labour, sports, and Maharashtra—to organise public meetings. “We aim to hold these meetings not just until the elections but even after, to sustain our engagement with the public,” Shrivastav said. However, he highlighted that resistance from BJP and AAP limited their initial plan to contest 47 seats.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas): Contesting on development
Marking their debut in Delhi’s Assembly Elections, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV) is fielding a candidate from the Deoli constituency, ceded by the BJP. Shankar Mishra, the Delhi President, remarked, “The BJP entrusted us with this seat because they believe we can win. Our focus is on addressing key issues like pollution and development, rather than promising freebies.”
Mishra further elaborated, “Providing resources for a better life is more impactful than temporary handouts. This is the core of our campaign.”
Janata Dal (United): A symbolic entry
The JD(U), another Bihar-based party, views its participation as a strategic move to build influence among Delhi’s Purvanchali voters. National General Secretary Harshvardhan Singh commented, “This election is about gaining a foothold in Delhi. Nitish Kumar’s achievements are synonymous with our party’s identity and resonate strongly with voters from Bihar.”
The JD(U) has fielded candidates in Delhi elections for over a decade but sees this year as an opportunity to cement its relevance.
AIMIM: An alternative in Muslim-majority areas
Led by Shoaib Jamai, AIMIM’s Delhi campaign focuses on constituencies with a high concentration of Muslim voters. Jamai announced, “We are directly challenging the BJP in the seats we’re contesting. AAP and Congress have no significant role in these areas. We aim to provide a viable alternative to the people.”
AIMIM has promised to address neglected issues in Muslim-majority areas, such as housing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and traffic congestion. Jamai assured that Owaisi’s leadership would bring the same development witnessed in Hyderabad to Delhi.
BSP and BLP: Targeting marginalised voters
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is determined to regain ground after a poor showing in the 2020 elections. Delhi State President highlighted their focus on marginalised groups, saying, “We are appealing to Dalits, Scheduled Tribes, and other underrepresented communities. Our goal is to ensure development and representation.”
The Bharatiya Liberal Party (BLP), meanwhile, has announced candidates for eight seats and is campaigning on principles of good governance, anti-corruption, and social justice. BLP chief Raizada stated, “We aim to establish an Anti-Corruption Commission and address civic mismanagement under the AAP government.”
Also read: Photostory: Rallying for votes – Delhi’s political battleground heats up
A high-stakes contest
The assembly elections will not only test the mettle of these regional parties but also determine their ability to influence the city’s political narrative. Results on February 8 will reveal whether their strategies have paid off or if the capital remains a battleground for its traditional players.
