AAP sets early field, announces 11 candidates for 2025 including 6 turncoats

The government of Delhi has seen some major ups and downs with the top ministers including Arvind Kejriwal being jailed, a change of power from Kejriwal to current Chief Minister Atishi, and constant loggerhead with the Lt. Governor over various issues. Amid this, the AAP has set up an early fielding to take the upper hand in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday released its first list of 11 candidates for the 2025 Delhi assembly election. However, the majority of the candidates, six, are turncoats.

Among the prominent names are Brahm Singh Tanwar (Chhatarpur), Anil Jha (Kirari), and BB Tyagi (Laxmi Nagar) — all former BJP leaders — along with ex-Congress leaders Chaudhary Zubair Ahmad (Seelampur), Veer Singh Dhingan (Seemapuri), and Sumesh Shokeen (Matiala). This strategic move reflects the AAP's intent to strengthen its position ahead of the crucial elections.

The announcement comes amid internal turbulence for AAP. Recently, Kailash Gahlot, a key cabinet minister, resigned and joined the BJP, citing "grave challenges" within the party and "unfulfilled promises" to the people of Delhi. Gahlot’s departure dealt a significant blow to the party, which is already grappling with leadership changes.

With Atishi now serving as the Chief Minister after taking over from Arvind Kejriwal, the party is setting its sights on consolidating its base. The 2025 elections mark the first major electoral test for Atishi since assuming office.

Speaking to his party workers, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal termed the elections a "dharmayudh" (righteous war). He urged them to focus on the collective mission rather than individual candidates. “The BJP has immense funds and power but lacks the will to serve Delhi. We may be a small party, but we have the people’s mandate. Work as if I am contesting all 70 seats,” said Kejriwal.