Mohan Singh Bisht

Mohan Singh Bisht is a seasoned politician known for his strong presence in Delhi's political landscape. His journey began in 1998 when he was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Karawal Nagar. He served in this role until 2015, when he lost his seat to Kapil Mishra. Despite this setback, Bisht did not fade from the political scene. In 2020, he made a comeback by reclaiming the Karawal Nagar seat, defeating AAP's Durgesh Pathak.





In a strategic move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bisht was nominated to contest from the Mustafabad constituency in the 2025 assembly elections. This decision proved successful, as he emerged victorious over Adeel Ahmad Khan from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by a margin of 17,578 votes. The BJP's choice to field Bisht was aimed at engaging a diverse electorate in Mustafabad, an area with a significant Muslim demographic, making up 39.5 per cent of its population. This constituency had been deeply affected by the riots in 2020, which resulted in the loss of at least 53 lives. The elections in Mustafabad were particularly significant due to the AIMIM's nomination of Tahir Hussain, a former AAP councillor linked to the riots.





Bisht has built a reputation as a well-regarded figure within the BJP and the electorate. His earlier tenure as MLA established a strong foundation, and he continued to be a vocal figure in local politics. After his defeat in 2015, he expressed criticism towards the internal dynamics within the BJP, particularly regarding the selection of Kapil Mishra, who was seen as adopting a more aggressive Hindutva stance. Nonetheless, the BJP's national leadership recognized Bisht's potential to appeal to the Pahadi population of Mustafabad and made the decisive move to nominate him for this constituency.





During his campaign in Mustafabad, Bisht emphasised his connection to the community. He recalled, "I was the MLA of Karawal Nagar from 1998 to 2008 when the Mustafabad constituency was formed. People here have come out on the streets in support of me… There is also a lot of support from the party… I am sure that Mustafabad will be the first seat that the BJP will win." His confidence was echoed by senior BJP leaders, who praised him for being accessible and dedicated to addressing local concerns.





However, Bisht's career has not been without controversy. He faced allegations related to the 2020 riots, specifically accusations of leading a mob that set a woman's shop on fire. Fortunately for him, these allegations did not lead to any legal charges, allowing him to continue his political career.





The BJP's strategic placement of Mohan Singh Bisht in Mustafabad reflects a thoughtful approach to candidate selection and community engagement. His victory not only signifies a win for the party but also highlights the importance of experienced and respected figures in navigating the complex dynamics of Delhi's political landscape. Bisht's journey is a testament to his enduring connection with the electorate and his ability to adapt to the challenges of a changing political environment.