Mohan Singh Bisht, a veteran politician with a stronghold in Karawal Nagar since 1998, expressed dissatisfaction upon learning that the BJP had chosen Kapil Mishra as its candidate for his traditional constituency. Bisht remarked, "The BJP thinks they will field anyone and he will win. This is a big mistake." He further warned that such decisions could adversely affect the party's prospects in multiple constituencies, including Karawal Nagar, Burari, Mustafabad, and Gokalpuri.
In response to Bisht's concerns, the BJP leadership acted swiftly to address the situation. Following discussions with senior party officials, including a meeting with BJP President JP Nadda, Bisht was placated and subsequently nominated as the party's candidate for the Mustafabad constituency. Expressing renewed confidence, Bisht stated, "I have assured that I will contest from Mustafabad and win the seat for the party." He also indicated that he had already begun engaging with the electorate in Mustafabad by attending public meetings.
The BJP's candidate selection process has sparked discontent among certain party members and supporters. In Tughlakabad, for instance, a group of protesters convened at the Delhi BJP office to voice their opposition to the nomination of Rohtas Bidhuri as the candidate for their constituency. The demonstrators, primarily young party workers, chanted slogans and demanded a reconsideration of the candidate choice. Party leaders attempted to pacify the protesters, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort in the forthcoming elections.
The BJP has been systematically releasing its list of candidates for the 70-seat Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5. In the first two lists, the party announced 29 candidates each, followed by the third list featuring only Bisht's reassignment to Mustafabad. This strategic approach reflects the party's efforts to balance internal dynamics and electoral considerations.
The upcoming elections are critical for the BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi since 1998. The party is striving to unseat the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is seeking a third consecutive term. The BJP's candidate selection and internal cohesion will play pivotal roles in its campaign to regain governance in the national capital.