New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi pulled out a stunning victory over BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri in the Kalkaji constituency. This victory marked a face-saving moment for AAP, despite setbacks faced by its top leaders.
Atishi accepted the people's mandate in the elections, calling it a "setback" but vowed to continue the party's struggle against the BJP.
Speaking to the reporters, Atishi said, "First of all, I thank the people of Delhi and our party workers who stood strong. We accept the mandate. The war against BJP's dictatorship and hooliganism will continue. This is a setback but AAP's fight for the people of Delhi and the country will go on."
Expressing gratitude to her supporters, the AAP leader said, "I thank the people who trusted me. I also thank my team, which faced all the challenges and took our message to the public. I have won my seat but this is not a time for celebration - this is the time to fight. The battle against BJP's authoritarianism will continue."
Stating that AAP has always fought against injustice and will continue to do so, Atishi said, "Yes, this may be one step back, but AAP will keep fighting."
Party's national convenor and Atishi's predecessor who helmed the State, Arvind Kejriwal has been defeated. His former deputy in the government, Manish Sisodia, has also lost.
Her victory has been called by ETV Bharat's election coverage team using a logical formula.
According to the Election Commission, Atishi has got 52,154 votes whereas Bidhuri polled 48,633 votes with Congress' Alka Lamba securing the third place with 4,392 votes.
The Kalkaji constituency witnessed a three-way battle with the incumbent Chief Minister in the race. Congress' Alka Lamba who is leading the All India Mahila Congress has settled at the third spot.
The counting for the Delhi Assembly Election began at 8 am. The postal votes were counted first and the counting of the Electronic Voting Machine began at 8.30 am.
The polling happened on February 5.
The seat has been with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party since 2015.
The segment derives its name from the famous Kalkaji Temple in Delhi. The seat is part of the South Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, AAP nominee Atishi Marlena won the seat with 55897 votes. She defeated her nearest rival from BJP's Sharmveer. The latter secured 43927 votes followed by Congress’ Shivani Chopra. Chopra bagged 4965 votes.
In 2015, AAP’s Avtar Singh emerged victorious with 55104 votes. BJP’s Harmeet Singh Kalka finished second with 35335 votes. Congress had fielded Subhash Chopra who came third with 13,552 votes.
