Delhi assembly polls: Kejriwal predicts BJP’s CM face, BJP hits back

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal sarcastically congratulated Bidhuri, who recently faced backlash for his controversial comments targeting Chief Minister Atishi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

“With elections around the corner, reports suggest that Bidhuri will be officially declared as BJP's chief ministerial face within the next couple of days. I congratulate him on this selection,” Kejriwal remarked.

He further called for a public debate between the BJP’s and AAP’s chief ministerial candidates, asserting that Bidhuri should outline his contributions as an MP over the past decade and share his vision for Delhi.

Highlighting AAP’s position, Kejriwal reiterated that he had been projected as their chief ministerial candidate well ahead of the elections.

“The people will ultimately decide who is the right choice for Delhi on February 8,” he added.

Responding to Kejriwal's remarks, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari stated that the party would soon announce its chief ministerial candidate, expressing confidence that the BJP would win the election and form the government in Delhi.

Ramesh Bidhuri, who is BJP's candidate from Kalkaji against AAP’s Atishi and Congress’s Alka Lamba, has been at the centre of multiple controversies.

On January 4, Bidhuri drew flak for his remarks comparing road development in Kalkaji to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s “cheeks.”

Priyanka called his comments “ridiculous and irrelevant,” prompting Bidhuri to later express regret.

The same day, Bidhuri sparked another controversy by mocking Atishi’s decision to drop her surname “Marlena” and adopt “Singh.”

Atishi, during a press conference, tearfully accused Bidhuri of insulting her family and resorting to abusive politics.

The rivalry between AAP and BJP has further escalated with both parties launching aggressive campaigns featuring creative visuals and sharp attacks.

AAP released a poster depicting Bidhuri as a demon with the tagline “BJP’s foul-mouthed CM face,” while the BJP countered with a poster mocking Kejriwal as “Sheeshmahal-dwelling AAP-da-e-Azam,” referencing allegations of misuse of public funds on his official residence.

Delhi will go to the polls in a single phase on February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.

The elections are set to witness a three-way contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress.

While AAP seeks a third consecutive term, the BJP aims to reclaim power after a 25-year hiatus, and the Congress hopes for a revival after being unseated in 2013.