In the Indian capital of Delhi, which comprises seven Lok Sabha seats, the significance extends beyond its modest allocation within the country’s total of 543 constituencies. Delhi holds special importance as the nation’s capital.
In the last two Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, BJP secured victories in all seven seats. However, in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, before AAP’s emergence, Congress emerged victorious in all seven constituencies. This time around, AAP and Congress are engaging in seat-sharing arrangements. AAP is contesting in four seats, while INC will compete in three. This collaborative approach between AAP and INC has intensified the political landscape, putting pressure on the BJP despite their numerical advantage. With a target of securing over 375 seats nationwide, the BJP cannot afford to lose any ground in Delhi.
Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Candidate List Statewise
The seat-sharing dynamics between AAP and INC are poised to make the electoral battle intriguing in three to four seats in Delhi. Let’s delve into the details.
Voting Dates: 25 May (Single Phase). Results: 4th June
Also Read: 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Voting Schedule
1) New Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP (NDA): Bansuri Swaraj
AAP (INDIA): Somnath Bharati
Who is Favorite: The BJP holds the edge, but Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of former central minister Sushma Swaraj, is a newcomer to the electoral arena, facing challenges associated with her family’s political legacy. The issue of family politics (Parivarvad) could work against her. AAP candidate, MLA, and lawyer Somnath Bharati, enjoys immense popularity in a few assembly constituencies within this Lok Sabha seat. Despite these factors, the BJP is the favourite, as the full Congress vote might not swing in favor of AAP, making it a 50:50 situation.
2019 Lok Sabha Result: Meenakshi Lekhi of the BJP won by a margin of more than 2 lakhs 50 thousand votes against Congress’s Ajay Maken, while AAP secured 1,50,342 votes. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the combined vote share of the Congress and AAP surpassed that of the BJP.
What Could Happen: It’s a toss-up.
2) Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP (NDA): Praveen Khandelwal
INC(INDIA): Jai Prakash Agarwal
Who is Favorite: It’s a tough fight. The transfer of AAP’s votes to the Congress camp could potentially upset the results for Jai Prakash Agarwal. However, if this transfer doesn’t happen, then a hattrick victory could be on the cards for the BJP in Chandni Chowk.
2019 Lok Sabha Result: Dr Harsh Vardhan of the BJP secured victory over Jai Prakash Agarwal by a margin of 2 lakhs 29 thousand votes, while AAP candidate Pankaj Gupta secured 1,44,551 votes. This time, an alliance between INC and AAP adds complexity to the electoral dynamics.
What Could Happen: The absence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan as a BJP candidate could bring a smile to the opposition’s face. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the combined vote share of AAP and INC was larger than that of BJP, although this was not the case in 2019. Praveen Khandelwal is favoured, but the underdog Congress also has its chances.
3) East Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP (NDA): Harsh Malhotra
AAP (INDIA): Kuldeep Kumar
Who is Favorite: The BJP is leading in numbers, but the combination of AAP and Congress votes adds an interesting dynamic to this seat.
2019 Lok Sabha Result: Gautam Gambhir of the BJP emerged victorious with a lead of 3 lakhs 91 thousand votes over Arvinder Singh Lovely of the Congress, while AAP candidate Atishi Marlena secured 2,19,328 votes.
What Could Happen: It’s tough to predict, but the BJP might emerge victorious in the end. However, the factor of Kejriwal being in jail could be the deciding factor.
4) West Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP (NDA): Kamaljeet Sehrawat
AAP (INDIA): Mahabal Mishra
Who is Favorite: The BJP is the clear favourite, with the only question being about the margin of victory.
2019 Lok Sabha Result: BJP’s Parvesh Verma beat INC’s Mahabal Mishra by more than 5 lakhs 78 thousand votes.
What Could Happen: BJP’s Kamaljeet Sehrawat might win by a margin of 2 lakhs votes.
5) South Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP: Ramvir Singh Bidhuri
AAP (INDIA): Sahiram Pehalwan
Who is Favorite: It’s a 50:50 chance.
2019 Lok Sabha Result: BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri defeated AAP’s Raghav Chadha by a margin of more than 3,67,000 votes, with Congress securing 1,64,613 votes. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha Election, the coalition votes of AAP and Congress were larger than those of the BJP.
What Could Happen: AAP might secure their maiden Lok Sabha victory from this seat. However, for this to happen, the full Congress vote must be transferred to Arvind Kejriwal’s party. Otherwise, it will be a hattrick victory for the BJP in this seat.
6) North East Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP: Manoj Tiwari
INC (INDIA): Kanhaiya Kumar
Who is Favorite: The battle between two Bihari sons on the soil of Delhi is intensely fought. While Manoj Tiwari boasts extensive experience and a decade-long acquaintance with the constituency, Kanhaiya Kumar, a former JNU student leader who transitioned from CPI to Congress, garners significant support from young voters and urban demographics.
2019 Lok Sabha Result: BJP’s Manoj Tiwari secured victory over INC’s former CM Sheila Dikshit by a margin of more than 3 lakhs 60 thousand votes. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the combined vote share of Congress and AAP exceeded that of the Bhojpuri Superstar’s tally for BJP.
What Could Happen: The outcome is intriguing. Will it be an upset or a hattrick? Let’s await the results until 4th June.
7) North West Delhi (SC) Lok Sabha Constituency:
BJP (NDA): Yogendra Chandolia
INC (INDIA): Udit Raj
Who is the Favorite: The BJP is the clear favourite, but there’s potential for an upset by Udit Raj, the former BJP MP from this constituency who is now contesting for the Congress ticket in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the crucial question remains: will he receive full support from AAP, which finished second twice in this seat?
2019 Lok Sabha Result: BJP’s celebrity candidate Hans Raj Hans secured a comfortable victory with a margin of 5 lakhs votes. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the combined vote share of AAP and Congress surpassed that of the BJP.
What Could Happen: BJP might secure a victory with a margin of over 2.50 lakh votes.
Overview of Predictions for Delhi Lok Sabha Elections
Safe Seats for BJP: West Delhi, North West Delhi
Leading for BJP (55:45): New Delhi, East Delhi.
Leading for INDIA (55:45): South Delhi (AAP).
Seats in a 50:50 Scenario: Chandni Chowk, North East Delhi
Most Captivating Battles
North East Delhi
BJP: Manoj Tiwari
INC (INDIA): Kanhaiya Kumar
New Delhi
BJP (NDA): Bansuri Swaraj
AAP (INDIA): Somnath Bharati
