While most of AAP’s top leadership received a jolt, CM Atishi secured a consolation victory, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri by 3,580 votes in Kalkaji. She polled 52,154 votes compared to Bidhuri’s 48,633. Congress’ Alka Lamba, with 4,367 votes, stood third. Atishi’s win wasn’t without its share of hiccups though. She lagged when the counting started, then showed slight improvement in the third round.
Delhi Election Results 2025
However, she fell behind again as Bidhuri maintained his lead till the sixth round. The tide turned in Round 7, with Atishi gradually building a small but crucial lead that ultimately led to her triumph.
After the win, she thanked people and her team: “They worked hard despite facing hooliganism. As for the defeat of others, we accept the verdict. I have won, but it’s not a time to celebrate, but to continue the ‘war’ against BJP’s dictatorship.” The run-up to the contest in Kalkaji saw sharp exchanges by the candidates. Controversial remarks about Atishi by Bidhuri, a Gujjar face, drew flak from the AAP leadership.
Atishi first won the Kalkaji seat in 2020. Earlier, she spearheaded key educational reforms, including upgrading state-run school facilities, implementing strict regulations against fee hikes by private schools, and launching the happiness curriculum. She fought the 2019 LS polls from East Delhi, but lost. Her political trajectory witnessed a remarkable growth in the next five years, as she went from an MLA to a minister handling several crucial portfolios. Within three years, she ascended to the position of CM following Kejriwal’s resignation.