New Delhi: In a strategic move to reclaim ground in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears set to field former Union Minister Smriti Irani from the Greater Kailash assembly constituency, pitting her against the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls. This likely decision marks a significant battle for political dominance in one of Delhi's key constituencies.
Smriti Irani, known for her high-profile victory over Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, has emerged as a potential candidate to challenge Bhardwaj, who has held the Greater Kailash seat since 2013. Despite her defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Irani's name has been circulating as a strong contender for this assembly seat, with the BJP aiming to leverage her charisma and political experience.
The BJP has already declared candidates for 59 out of the 70 seats in Delhi, with Greater Kailash remaining one of the hotly contested battlegrounds. Sources suggest that the party sees Irani as a charismatic leader who can potentially dismantle AAP's stronghold in this urban constituency, which includes both affluent areas and unauthorized colonies.
However, the final decision regarding Irani's candidacy has not been cemented, as she is among other notable women leaders like Arti Mehra, Shikha Rai, and Meenakshi Lekhi, who are also in contention. The Greater Kailash constituency, with its mixed demographic, presents a unique challenge, where local issues like pollution, traffic, and sanitation are at the forefront of voter concerns.
Saurabh Bhardwaj, on the other hand, has a good track record, having secured victories in the past three assembly elections. His popularity in the area could be a formidable obstacle for BJP's plans. This contest, therefore, not only highlights the personal battle between two influential politicians but also underscores the broader political narrative between BJP and AAP in the national capital.
As Delhi gears up for the elections, all eyes will be on Greater Kailash to see if Irani can turn the tide in BJP's favor or if Bhardwaj will continue his winning streak.