Congress Releases Third List for Delhi Polls: Ex-AAP MLA Dharam Pal Lakra to Contest from Mundka
The Congress party has released its third list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025.
With this announcement, the party aims to solidify its position and compete fiercely against the AAP and BJP.
Key Candidates in the Latest List
The newly revealed list features prominent names and strategic choices, highlighting Congress’s efforts to make a mark in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.
- Dharam Pal Lakra: A former AAP MLA who recently joined Congress, Lakra will contest from Mundka. His inclusion is seen as a significant move to leverage his local influence and experience.
- Krishna Tirath: The former Union Minister is set to represent Congress in Patel Nagar. Tirath’s extensive political background is expected to strengthen the party’s position in this constituency.
- Rajesh Gupta: Contesting from Kirari, Gupta’s nomination underscores Congress’s intent to connect with grassroots voters in the region.
- Vishesh Tokas: Fielded from RK Puram, Tokas is tasked with appealing to both residential and working-class voters in this urban constituency.
Complete List of Candidates
The third list includes 16 candidates, bringing the total to 63 out of 70 seats. Notable selections from the third list include:
- Mundka: Dharam Pal Lakra
- Patel Nagar: Krishna Tirath
- Okhla: Ariba Khan
- Kirari: Rajesh Gupta
- Model Town: Kunwar Karan Singh
- Hari Nagar: Prem Sharma
- Janakpuri: Harbani Kaur
- Palam: Mange Ram
- Vikaspuri: Jitender Solanki
- Najafgarh: Sushma Yadav
- RK Puram: Vishesh Tokas
- Vishwas Nagar: Rajiv Chaudhary
- Gandhi Nagar: Kamal Arora
- Shahdara: Jagat Singh
- Ghonda: Bheesham Sharma
- Gokalpur: Ishwar Bagri
A last-minute change in the Gokalpur constituency saw Ishwar Bagri replace Pramod Kumar Jayanti.
Political Dynamics Ahead of the Elections
The Congress party’s decision to contest all 70 seats signifies its determination to compete independently, rejecting any alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Despite being part of the INDIA bloc at the national level, Congress and AAP have grown apart following recent differences.
The AAP, the ruling party in Delhi, has already announced candidates for all 70 seats, while the BJP has named candidates for 59 constituencies.
Election Timeline
The elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5, 2025. The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on February 8, 2025, determining the leadership for the next term in the national capital.
Congress’s Strategy
By fielding candidates like Krishna Tirath and Dharam Pal Lakra, Congress is banking on experienced leaders and local influencers to make an impact.
The selection of grassroots-oriented candidates like Rajesh Gupta and urban-focused candidates like Vishesh Tokas demonstrates a calculated approach to appeal to diverse voter demographics.
Congress has released three lists of candidates so far: the first two lists included 26 and 21 names, respectively, while the third added another 16.
Key Challenges for Congress
The Congress faces stiff competition from the ruling AAP, which continues to dominate Delhi’s political landscape, and the BJP, which aims to regain its foothold in the capital.
While Congress has shown resilience by contesting all seats, the absence of an alliance with AAP could fragment the opposition vote, potentially benefiting the BJP.
Historical Context
The 2023 Delhi Assembly elections saw the AAP maintain a stronghold, leaving Congress with minimal representation.
However, the party’s renewed strategy and notable candidates in this election indicate its determination to reclaim relevance in the capital’s politics.
With the announcement of its third list, Congress has positioned itself as a serious contender in the Delhi Assembly elections.
The strategic selection of candidates and its decision to contest independently reflect the party’s ambition to rebuild its influence in Delhi.
As the campaign heats up, all eyes are on February 5 to see how these political dynamics play out.
