Mohan Singh Bisht, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, is set to secure victory from the Mustafabad constituency, marking a significant moment for the party in an area traditionally dominated by Muslim voters. After 18 rounds of counting, Bisht is leading with 77,859 votes, significantly outpacing his main competitor, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Adeel Ahmad Khan, who trails with 60,320 votes.
Mustafabad, located in North East Delhi, has been the focal point of political contention, particularly due to its demographic composition, which includes around 39.5% Muslim residents. The constituency gained notoriety as one of the hardest-hit areas during the 2020 riots, where clashes led to the tragic loss of at least 53 lives. This violent backdrop has heightened the stakes of the current election.
Previously, Mustafabad was mainly contested among three key political players: the BJP, AAP, and Congress. This election, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has also entered the fray, fielding Tahir Hussain, known for his association with the riots. Hussain's candidacy adds tension to the electoral dynamics, showcasing the nuanced approaches parties are adopting to appeal to the constituency's diverse electorate.
Bisht’s political history is long and storied. Previously serving as the MLA for Karawal Nagar from 1998 to 2015, he has experienced ups and downs, including facing criticism when he lost the seat to Kapil Mishra during the 2015 elections. His political comeback came when he reclaimed his position in 2020, defeating the AAP's Durgesh Pathak. His replacement by Mishra as the candidate for Karawal Nagar was met with discontent, which he voiced as a “big mistake.” This dissatisfaction led to his re-nomination for the Mustafabad constituency, prompted by internal polling within the BJP indicating his potential strength among local voters.
Describing his confidence about winning this time, Bisht noted, “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.” His experience and established local presence appear pivotal to this election strategy.
Senior BJP leaders have praised Bisht as “accessible” and effective, emphasizing his efforts to resolve local issues and ensuring development projects are implemented. Despite these accolades, his candidacy has not been without controversy; he faced accusations related to leading riots and arson during the 2020 unrest, though no formal charges were ever filed against him. This mix of public service and controversy may influence voter perceptions as they head to the polls.
The ground dynamics have shifted since the last municipal elections, where the Congress candidate won against the backdrop of AAP's established presence. Historical performance indicates the significance of local sentiment and party loyalty, and the shifts seen here will be pivotal for future contests.
Counting for this election is proceeding against the backdrop of a broader narrative; similar trends have been noted across Delhi during the 2025 Assembly elections. The BJP has been forecasted to regain significant ground against the backdrop of AAP's past decade of rule. With early trends showing BJP leading on many seats, political analysts suggest this election could redefine party strongholds and voter alliances across the city.
With Bisht at the forefront, it remains to be seen how this victory transitions to governance, particularly focusing on post-riot healing and unifying the diverse constituents of Mustafabad. His commitment to local issues will likely shape the dialogue surrounding his tenure should he officially secure the seat once the final results are declared.
This election not only indicates voter preferences but also reflects larger societal attitudes about communal harmony, development, and political accountability. The constituencies with historical legacies, like Mustafabad, often define the narrative of larger elections, and the political winds here could signal broader trends across Delhi. Political stakeholders are on alert as final counting wraps up.