NEW DELHI, Feb 8 – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Parvesh Verma emerged as a “giant-killer” in the 2025 Delhi state elections, defeating Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a major political upset.
Verma, known for his hardline stance and controversial statements, secured a victory by 1,200 votes in the New Delhi constituency, according to trends at 1 p.m. local time. His win marks a significant setback for Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had dominated Delhi politics for over a decade. Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, also contested the seat but failed to make an impact.
In an exclusive interview w after his victory, Verma emphasized the importance of a “double-engine government,” referring to BJP-led governance at both the state and central levels. He pledged to align Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for development.
Political Career and Return to State Politics
Verma, a long-time BJP member and former Member of Parliament, has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since childhood. He previously won two consecutive national elections from West Delhi in 2014 and 2019 but was excluded from the BJP’s candidate list for the 2024 general elections.
During his tenure in Parliament, he served on committees overseeing MPs’ salaries, urban development, and the governing body of AIIMS, New Delhi. His return to state politics in 2025 was marked by a direct challenge to Kejriwal, whom he frequently criticized.
Ahead of the elections, AAP accused Verma of orchestrating an attack on Kejriwal and distributing money to voters. Last month, he was also charged with violating election rules by allegedly distributing shoes outside a temple.
Controversies and Polarizing Rhetoric
Verma has courted controversy throughout his political career, particularly over his remarks against minority communities. During the 2020 protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), he made inflammatory comments about Muslim demonstrators at Shaheen Bagh, a major protest site in Delhi.
“They will enter your houses, rape your sisters and daughters,” he had said at the time, alleging that protesters posed a threat to Hindu families.
In 2022, he again sparked outrage by calling for a “total boycott” of Muslims during a speech in North-East Delhi. Addressing his supporters, he urged them to “set them straight” and led them in repeating a pledge to avoid economic transactions with Muslims.
Despite his controversial history, Verma’s victory signals a shift in Delhi’s political landscape, challenging AAP’s long-standing dominance in the capital.
Looking Ahead
With the BJP strengthening its foothold in Delhi, Verma’s leadership in the state is expected to draw both support and criticism. His win underscores the party’s ability to mobilize its voter base amid political turbulence, potentially setting the stage for future electoral battles in the national capital.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
