Delhi Assembly Elections: Congress releases first list of 21 candidates, Sandeep Dikshit to challenge Arvind Kejriwal from New Delhi seat

The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly Elections 2025. In a strategic move, the list includes prominent names such as Sandeep Dikshit, Devender Yadav, Ragini Nayak, and Abhishek Dutt, reflecting the party’s intent to reclaim its position in the capital’s political landscape.

Sandeep Dikshit to Challenge Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi Constituency

Sandeep Dikshit, former MP and son of late Sheila Dikshit, is set to contest against AAP chief and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency. This high-profile battle is expected to be a focal point of the elections, symbolizing Congress’s renewed push in Delhi politics.

Key Candidates in the First List

The Congress’s first list of 21 candidates includes Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav, who will contest from Badli, Ragini Nayak from Wazirpur, and Abhishek Dutt from Kasturba Nagar. These selections indicate the party’s focus on experienced leaders while also introducing fresh faces to appeal to a broader electorate.

Leadership Endorsement and Strategic Planning

The candidate list was finalised in a meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with the participation of Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders like Ambika Soni and Salman Khurshid. According to Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin, the list emphasizes a mix of experience and youth while addressing diverse categories to represent the city’s electorate inclusively. Other notable candidates include Congress national secretary Abhishek Dutt contesting from Kasturba Nagar, former minister Haroon Yusuf vying for the Ballimaran seat, and former DPCC president Chaudhary Anil Kumar representing Patparganj, among several others.

Delhi Congress Chief Confirms His Candidacy

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav confirmed his candidacy and expressed optimism about the party’s prospects. “I am not running away. We are fielding strong candidates and will release the second list soon,” he said, highlighting the party’s commitment to contesting elections independently.

Congress and AAP Rule Out Pre-Poll Alliance

Despite earlier speculations about a pre-poll alliance between Congress and AAP, both parties have decided to contest the elections independently. Leaders from both sides, including Arvind Kejriwal and Devender Yadav, have publicly confirmed there will be no tie-up.

Congress Seeks to Reclaim Delhi

The Congress aims to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with both the BJP-led Centre and the AAP government in Delhi. “Delhi has suffered a lot in the past decade, and people are now eager for change,” said Qazi Nizamuddin, signalling Congress’s intent to provide a viable alternative to voters in the upcoming elections.

The Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 are shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with Congress’s first list setting the tone for a spirited battle across constituencies.