Alka Lamba’s Political Odyssey: From Congress Loyalist to Kalkaji Challenger

Congress leader Alka Lamba is set to contest against AAP candidate and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi in the Kalkaji constituency in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

“The Central Election Committee has approved the candidature of Alka Lamba as Congress candidate to contest the forthcoming general election to the Legislative Assembly of Delhi from 51 – Kalkaji constituency,” read an official statement from the Congress.

Lamba, the All India Mahila Congress President, has previously faced Arvind Kejriwal in elections but was unsuccessful. Sources suggest she was initially hesitant to contest from Kalkaji.

Atishi, known for using a single name, holds the distinction of being Delhi’s third female Chief Minister after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. She is also the youngest to hold the position.

Congress Faces Challenges After Years of Decline

The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has failed to secure a single seat in the last two assembly elections.

Alka Lamba’s political journey began in 1994 when she joined the Congress’s student wing, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), at age 19. A year later, she was elected to the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU).

The 49-year-old leader left the Congress in 2013 to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Two years later, she won the Chandni Chowk assembly seat. However, in 2019, she parted ways with AAP and rejoined Congress.

Rivals Turned Allies Battle Separately in Delhi

Although Congress and AAP are allies in the opposition bloc INDIA, they are contesting against each other in the Delhi assembly elections.

The two parties also fought separately in the Haryana elections last year. However, they collaborated for the seven Delhi Lok Sabha seats in 2024, where the BJP won all seven.

For years, Lamba was a prominent figure at the Congress headquarters, often compared to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra due to her short haircut and fighting spirit.

Now, facing Atishi from Kalkaji, she is preparing for another intense political battle.

Alka Lamba’s Dynamic Political Journey

Lamba’s tenure with AAP (2014-2019) saw her elected as the Chandni Chowk MLA. Her decision to leave the party stemmed from her perception of gender disrespect within AAP.

She was disqualified from the Delhi assembly for switching parties, and her attempt to regain her seat as a Congress candidate was unsuccessful.

Despite initial reluctance, Lamba agreed to contest from Kalkaji after much deliberation. Congress insiders revealed that her candidacy was delayed as she was “not convinced” about contesting.

A meeting, following the Antim Ardas ceremony of Manmohan Singh, resolved the matter.

“I’ve never backed down from stepping into a political battle,” Lamba told mediapersons. “In 2003, I contested against then-Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana. This time, I was only concerned about balancing my responsibilities as the Mahila Congress President, but the party has supported me.”

The Stakes in Kalkaji

Fielding Lamba against Atishi sends a strong message. As Mahila Congress President, her candidacy challenges AAP’s portrayal of a female Chief Minister.

Lamba aims to counter Atishi’s image by alleging that she represents AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal rather than standing independently as a leader.

“I don’t consider Atishi competition; she is just a ‘half CM.’ I’ll ensure her defeat,” Lamba asserted to CNN-News18.

Controversy and Determination

During her tenure as Chandni Chowk MLA, Lamba faced controversy after forcibly entering and vandalizing a liquor shop, claiming it was owned by a BJP supporter.

Despite setbacks, Congress hopes her determined approach will energize their campaign.

Congress Bets Big in Key Constituencies

The Congress has announced candidates in constituencies it considers strongholds.

This includes New Delhi, where former East Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit is contesting against Arvind Kejriwal, and Samaypur Badli, represented by Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav.

Meanwhile, the BJP awaits the Prime Minister-led Central Election Committee’s approval for its list of candidates for Delhi’s 70 assembly seats.