SHIKHA ROY OF BJP DEFEATS AAP'S SAURABH BHARADWAJ IN A CLOSE FIGHT FOR GREATER KAILASH
Shikha Roy's win signals shifting dynamics; AAP struggles to maintain grip on the constituency.
Greater Kailash constituency, part of South Delhi, witnessed a nail-biting competition during the 2025 Assembly elections, culminating on February 8, 2025, when the Election Commission of India declared the results. BJP's Shikha Roy emerged victorious against incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj.
Roy secured 49,594 votes, surpassing Bharadwaj’s 46,406 by a margin of 3,188 votes. This outcome not only marks Roy’s victory but also signifies the BJP's growing influence within the area, which has historically been perceived as AAP's stronghold since the 2013 Assembly elections.
This election was particularly noteworthy as it illustrated the intensifying rivalry between the two major political parties, AAP and BJP, each striving for dominance. Saurabh Bharadwaj, seeking re-election, previously won the Greater Kailash seat by secure margins: 16,809 votes against Roy in 2020 and 14,583 votes against Rakesh Kumar Gullaiya of BJP in 2015.
The Greater Kailash constituency, which boasts affluent neighborhoods like Panchsheel Park and Greater Kailash Part 1 and Part 2, has over the years seen shifts in voter sentiment tied to issues like governance, local development, and infrastructure. This year, voter turnout was recorded at 54.5%, marking a slight dip from previous elections.
According to the latest data from the Election Commission, the Assembly elections across Delhi highlighted the BJP’s significant gains, securing 48 seats overall compared to AAP's 24 and Congress's lone seat. This result may reflect broader public perceptions about governance and development, two points of contention between the competing parties.
AAP, which has been at the helm of Delhi politics for nearly a decade, faced considerable challenges this election season, particularly related to the controversies surrounding its governance and internal party dynamics. Bharadwaj had positioned himself as not just the party's local representative but as part of AAP’s narrative of development and accountability against the BJP's and Congress's assertions of corruption and inefficacy.
While the political atmosphere is charged with various interpretations of these results, Shikha Roy's victory can be seen as part of the Tory attempts to reclaim relevance in Delhi politics after having lost the last two elections.
Supported by the BJP, Roy's campaign built on promises of effective governance, improved civic amenities, and expansive development plans aimed at addressing the pressing needs of Greater Kailash residents, such as improved water supply and traffic management.
Voter demographics play a significant role here; Greater Kailash is characterized by its upper-middle-class electorate, consisting largely of business professionals and salaried individuals whose political decisions resonate closely with governance and progressive urban development.
Looking forward, both Bharadwaj and Roy's campaign strategies may heavily influence the political conversations leading up to the next round of elections. AAP's response to this setback, particularly with its previous stronghold, will likely involve reassessing strategies to rekindle voter support.
Political analysts anticipate the ramifications of the 2025 Assembly results will extend beyond the Greater Kailash constituency, reshaping the overall political narrative of Delhi as both parties assess their voter outreach and engagement strategies.
AAP's focus will likely shift toward addressing criticisms and revitalizing support among its core constituents. Bharadwaj's response to the defeat reflects sentiments echoed by other party leaders who now lecture potential reforms within the party as part of blemishing the AAP governance image. Bharadwaj stated, “The exit polls will be proven wrong as AAP is going to form the government this time as well, showing confidence post-election declarations.”
Shikha Roy, on her victory, was quoted expressing, “The results indicate the people’s desire for development and good governance. Our approach aligns more with what residents are longing for, to have effective local governance.”
With the results now formalized, all eyes will be on how both parties recalibrate their strategies moving forward as they prepare for future electoral challenges amid changing political currents within the capital.