- By Priyanka Koul
- Sat, 11 Jan 2025 05:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
With the Delhi Assembly elections of 2025 fast approaching, Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), held a press conference in which he stated that, according to AAP sources, Ramesh Bidhuri will be the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) chief ministerial candidate for Delhi. Kejriwal also suggested that once the official announcement is made, a debate should be held between the Chief Ministerial candidates of AAP and BJP for the people of Delhi.
Kejriwal's Challenge to Ramesh Bidhuri
At the press conference, Kejriwal challenged Ramesh Bidhuri to a public debate, asserting that the former Member of Parliament (MP) is set to be the BJP's CM face for the Delhi Assembly elections. Kejriwal congratulated Ramesh Bidhuri, claiming that the BJP would soon make an official announcement regarding his candidacy.
Kejriwal stated, "We are receiving information that Ramesh Bidhuri’s name will be officially announced as the BJP’s CM face in the next one or two days. I congratulate him on becoming the BJP's CM face. He should explain what he has done for the development of Delhi during his tenure as an MP. What is his vision for the future of Delhi? Once his name is officially announced, there should be a debate between the CM candidates of BJP and AAP in front of the people of Delhi."
क्या बीजेपी ने रमेश बिधूड़ी जी को अपना CM चेहरा बनाने का निर्णय लिया है? https://t.co/vzqXdu8PQ3
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 11, 2025
BJP Slams Kejriwal Over Bail Restrictions
The BJP has countered Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks, asserting that his bail conditions disqualify him from functioning as Delhi’s chief minister and claiming the party does not require a leader’s face as its lotus symbol is sufficient.
Responding to Kejriwal’s comments during a press conference, BJP leader RP Singh reminded him of the court's restrictions in the Delhi liquor policy case. Singh also criticised the alleged lavish expenditures on Kejriwal's official residence, which the BJP has mockingly called 'Sheeshmahal.'
"Kejriwal keeps mentioning the chief ministerial face, but the court has barred you from performing any duties as the chief minister. You can't sign files, use the chief minister’s office, or call meetings. The order is still active, and no relief has been granted," Singh said.
He further mocked Kejriwal, saying, “Which face are you referring to? The one that offered free alcohol with purchases, allowed liquor shops near schools and temples, or installed gold commodes at the chief minister’s bungalow? Our face is the lotus symbol, and our workers are reaching every home with it, promising a clean and honest government."
Who Is Ramesh Bidhuri?
Ramesh Bidhuri, born on July 18, 1961, is an Indian politician and lawyer, affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) representing South Delhi in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. Bidhuri has been a part of Indian politics for many years, serving in multiple roles and actively contributing to the development of his constituency and the nation.
Bidhuri and his family have been active members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since their early childhood. He began his political journey as an elected central councillor of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and a member of the executive council of Delhi University. Over the years, he has served as an MP for South Delhi twice and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) thrice.
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Political Career and Achievements
Since 1993, Ramesh Bidhuri has held various political positions, including:
- District General Secretary of Mehrauli (1996)
- Pradesh Secretary of Dharm Yatra of Mahasangh
- District President of BJP (1997-2003)
- Vice President of BJP Delhi Pradesh (2003-2008)
- General Secretary of BJP Delhi Pradesh (since 2008)
In 2014, he contested and won the general elections as the BJP candidate for South Delhi. In the 2019 elections, he secured a decisive victory over Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Raghav Chadha and Congress's Vijender Singh, garnering over 54% of the votes.
Recently, Ramesh Bidhuri made controversial remarks that sparked backlash both within and outside the BJP. His offensive comments about Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have caused significant public outcry.
Upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections 2025
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on February 5, 2025, with results to be declared on February 8, 2025. The BJP is expected to announce its final list of candidates for the Delhi constituencies in the coming days.