Delhi Assembly Polls: AAP, BJP, Congress Bet Big On Women Candidates As 96 Women In Race

With the stage set for the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, the political arena is buzzing with activity, and women are making their mark like never before. Of the 719 candidates vying for 70 assembly seats, 96 are women-a notable increase from the 76 women contestants in 2020.

Political parties, eager to woo women voters, have upped their game by fielding more female candidates. The BJP and AAP have each nominated nine women, while the Congress has fielded seven. This rise in women representation reflects a growing acknowledgment of their significance in shaping electoral outcomes.

Key Players and Fresh Faces

Among AAP's notable women candidates are Chief Minister Atishi, alongside veterans like Rakhi Bidlani and Pramila Tokas. The party has also introduced fresh faces like Anjana Parcha and Pooja Balyan. Pooja, contesting from Uttam Nagar, is the wife of MLA Naresh Balyan, whose recent arrest for alleged links to gangster Kapil Sangwan has stirred controversy.

The BJP's lineup includes prominent names like Rekha Gupta, Poonam Sharma, and Shikha Rai, while the Congress has spotlighted leaders like Alka Lamba, Ariba Khan, and Ragini Nayak.

Numbers Game: Candidates and Constituencies

This year's election saw a total of 1,522 nomination papers filed by 981 candidates during the week-long nomination process that began on January 10. After scrutiny and withdrawals, the final count stands at 719 candidates.

Interestingly, the New Delhi constituency has emerged as the most contested, with 23 candidates battling for the seat. In contrast, Patel Nagar and Kasturba Nagar constituencies have the least competition, with just five candidates each.

What's Next?

The Election Commission has declared February 5 as the polling day, with results to be announced on February 8. As the capital braces for the electoral showdown, the spotlight on women candidates signals a positive shift toward gender inclusivity in politics.

With each party bringing a mix of seasoned leaders and fresh talent, the stage is set for a high-stakes contest. Will the increased representation of women translate into decisive victories? All eyes are now on the February 5 polls.