Delhi BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht has vehemently opposed the party's decision to replace him with Kapil Mishra as the candidate for the Karawal Nagar seat in the forthcoming Assembly elections, calling it a “big mistake” that could have far-reaching consequences for the party. Bisht, who triumphed in the 2020 elections against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak, has been a seasoned leader and a familiar face in the constituency. His replacement has triggered internal strife and raised questions about the BJP's strategy ahead of a critical election.
In its second list of 29 candidates, the BJP announced Kapil Mishra’s candidature, a move that Bisht has publicly criticized as a misguided gamble. Expressing his discontent, he declared that he would neither accept any other constituency nor back down from the political contest. “The BJP thinks they can field anyone, and he will win. This is a big mistake. Only time will tell what will happen in seats like Burari, Karawal Nagar, Ghonda, Seelampur, Gokalpuri, and Nand Nagri,” Bisht told ANI. Undeterred by the party's decision, Bisht announced his plan to file his nomination for Karawal Nagar independently before January 17, effectively setting the stage for a rebellion within the BJP.
Meanwhile, Kapil Mishra, known for his unapologetically hardline Hindutva stance, remains unfazed by the controversy. Confident in his ability to secure a resounding victory, Mishra asserted, “The people of Karawal Nagar are excited, and we will register a big win here. There is a wave of transformation in Delhi. BJP is going to form the government here.”
Mishra’s political journey has been a rollercoaster. He first contested the Karawal Nagar seat in 2015 on an AAP ticket and emerged victorious, subsequently serving as the Minister of Water Resources in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government. However, his fallout with AAP leadership over ideological differences led to his expulsion in 2017. Mishra joined the BJP in 2019, where he quickly aligned himself with the party’s more aggressive political rhetoric. His polarizing speeches, particularly during the events preceding the communal riots in northeast Delhi in February 2020, have made him a controversial figure. While some view him as a firebrand leader capable of mobilizing votes, others criticize his divisive approach as detrimental to communal harmony.
The BJP's decision to field Mishra reflects a calculated risk, aimed at consolidating its core voter base while projecting a stronger stance in a constituency historically known for its dynamic voter behavior. However, this has also exposed fractures within the party, as evidenced by Bisht’s open defiance. The dissent underscores the challenges of balancing internal party unity with strategic electoral choices, especially in a politically charged city like Delhi.
As election fever grips the capital, Karawal Nagar is shaping up to be a battleground that could have significant implications for the BJP’s broader performance. The seat’s history of fluctuating loyalties adds an unpredictable dimension to the contest. While Mishra’s aggressive campaigning is expected to appeal to a certain voter segment, Bisht’s defiance could split the BJP’s vote share, potentially giving an advantage to rival parties like AAP and Congress.
The Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, promise to be a high-stakes affair, with results set to be declared on February 8. The outcome in Karawal Nagar will not only test the BJP's electoral strategy but also its ability to manage internal conflicts in the pursuit of broader political objectives. For now, the stage is set for a riveting contest that could serve as a microcosm of Delhi’s ever-evolving political landscape.
