Delhi Elections 2025: NCP Breaks Alliance, Fields 30 Candidates Amid BJP Snub

New Delhi, January 17:

NCP Breaks Alliance: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, has decided to contest the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections independently, marking a significant rift within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NCP, sidelined during seat-sharing discussions by ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), announced it would field 30 candidates, including 13 from the minority community, signaling its commitment to inclusivity and a serious bid to expand its footprint in the national capital.

Strategically, the NCP has pitted its candidates against the key players of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and BJP. Notably, Vishvanath Agarwal will contest from the New Delhi constituency, where Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal seeks re-election. This high-profile seat also features BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit.

The party has announced candidates for constituencies such as Matia Mahal, Madipur, Hari Nagar, Janakpuri, Malviya Nagar, Tughlakabad, and Laxmi Nagar to create a strong foothold in the entire city. In another keen contest, AAP’s chief ministerial candidate Atishi will face BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and NCP candidate Zameel in Kalkaji.

Tensions between the BJP and NCP increased after the latter was denied a share in seat allocation, even though other NDA allies, such as Janata Dal (United) and LJP (Ram Vilas), were given their respective shares. “We are committed to Delhi’s development and refuse to compromise on our vision for inclusive governance,” said Brijmohan Shrivastav, NCP spokesperson, adding that the party’s decision was driven by the need to assert its political identity.

The NCP has released a list of star campaigners, which include Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Parth Pawar, and in-charge Sanjay Prajapati of northeastern states. These leaders will lead the party’s efforts to connect with voters across Delhi.

Analysts view an independent foray by the NCP as very bold, to reshape the traditionally AAP, BJP, and Congress-dominated electoral map. The fact that the party is focusing its attention on representations of minorities, and key constituencies in large cities, suggest a targeted move to appeal before Delhi’s otherwise diverse electorate.

Voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will take place on February 5, with the results declared on February 8. The NCP’s decision to go it alone has added an interesting twist to the political narrative, hinting at shifting alliances and evolving power dynamics within the NDA.

It promises to be a high-stakes election campaign, with the NCP ready to make a true presence felt and redefine its role on the national stage.